There is a lot of hype about hydrogen in the news today. Not surprisingly, this is due to our dependence on foreign oil. It is no secret that there are only two ways for the United States to experience freedom from our dependence on foreign oil: increase our production, or decrease our demand. The most promising route is to create alternative sources of energy, a source that is available in the United States. There are many options; however only one will produce fastest and most economical results and that is hydrogen.
Lawmakers and government officials have been looking at many alternative sources of energy for a long time. They have considered coal, natural gas, wind, solar, water and nuclear energy over the years. Still, the best option appears to be hydrogen, and for good reason. Hydrogen is plentiful, is more effective at storing energy than batteries, it burns twice as effectively in a fuel cell than gasoline, and leaves only water in it's wake, not chemicals.
In order to get this done in a timely manner, the US will have to put to rest the complacency and get to work. In as little as ten years we could see mass production of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Ten years, if the US develops a plan and gets to work. According to one group of researchers and developers, there are five objectives that the United States would have to take care of to make this a realization. It relies on the fact that the US would have to utilize existing infrastructures to get it done. After the supply and demand is lined up, a cleaner version of the hydrogen product could be created.
1. Come up with a solution to the hydrogen fuel-tank dilemma. In other words, should gaseous, liquid or solid hydrogen be used? The simplest of the three options would be gaseous, however the most promising would be the solid hydrogen because of the method of dispersal.
2. Mass production of fuel-cell cars would have to become priority. Today, the cars are slow to release to the public. With a mass production and release of new and fuel efficient cars, many believe that Americans will be much more responsive to the concept of a new type of vehicle.
3. The government must create the fuel infrastructure for hydrogen-powered cars. Of course, unless consumers are convinced they can fuel up when they need it, they are not going to invest in the car. The fuel-cell cars and the infrastructure will have to move forward at the same pace and get completed simultaneously.
4. Find a way to mass-produce hydrogen in a clean way. Ideally, it would be best to create a power source from solar, wind or hydropower to produce the electricity needed to split the water into hydrogen and oxygen.
5. A public campaign would have to be started to sell the new technology. American consumers are waiting for an alternative such as this. However, one key component is going to be cost. Expecting the average American consumer to shell out two to four times more for a car is not practical in today's slow economy. If the government can find a way to make a hydrogen car that is fuel efficient, clean to the environment and cost effective, they will hit a home run with the people of this country.
With costs going up for everything, Americans are desperate for an answer. Gasoline engines are no longer practical, not only because of costs but also because of our increased dependency and strained country relationships. It is time that we take matters into our own hands and introduce the energy source of the future, and that is definitely hydrogen.
Before it's too late, be Earth-Friendly, be informed, just click GLOBAL WARMING
About the Author
Hi, this is Michael Raber an avid environmentalist. I have been around and have seen the negative effects of our abuse of this world's natural resources the most alarming of which is global warming. I felt it was my obligation to do something and I wrote some articles on the subject. Give them a read and let's start making a difference for our children's sake.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Fuel Cells: Out Of The Hype But Still Coming by Anthony Fontanelle
In the past decades, fuel cells auto technology has become a buzzword in the industry. But the hype was silenced more than a decade ago. But experts are sure that technology will play a great part in the future of the automotive realm.
John Sheridan, the president, chief executive and the director of Ballard Power Systems, remembered it fondly and paradoxically. Sheridan said in an interview: "For the most part, we had only a working proof-of-concept back then," he said. "We hadn't really begun to do anything with it. But everybody was excited about it."
Between 1989 and 1994 Ballard, hydrogen fuel cells and car companies like General Motors Corp. have begun investing heavily in fuel cell technology. But there were inherent problems that would restrict the public's interest. Fuel cell technology is science. And according to some, science often does not conform to the needs of the next news cycle. There are trials and errors.
Science has little respect for deadlines. Additionally, it is also complicated and expensive. Its intricacy defies the sound bite, whether political or straight news. As a fact, its expense rattles investors who are more interested in the next big payoff than they are in the next big or best thing.
Ballard, founded in 1979 as Ballard Research and now headquartered in Burnaby, had formulated a technology fated to change the world. It was a hydrogen fuel cell with a proton-exchange membrane. The technology would trigger a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. In cars and trucks, hydrogen fuel cells would signify an end to pollution coming from the Saturn muffler and other manufacturers' tailpipes. It would also mean curbing reliance on foreign oil. Additionally, the technology would remove the vehicle as a negative component in the environmental equation. The press was agog and politicians rapt. But the hype and the enthusiasm faded.
Ballard and hydrogen fuel cells faded from the news, ceded to the plea of gas-electric hybrid technology and to the delusions of the quick fix and the silver bullet. And therein dwells the satire. Neither hydrogen fuel cells nor Ballard went away. In fact, they are bigger than ever, as evidenced by Ballard's extensive research-and-development and manufacturing facility.
"Maybe we made some mistakes in the beginning by over-promising - that is, giving people the idea that the benefits of this technology would be immediate," Sheridan conceded. "The reality is that we're in a marathon race." He suggested that Ballard and the technology it has pioneered have many more miles to run before it reaches any finish line.
At present, notwithstanding its reported loss of $14.2 million in the first quarter, Ballard's future looks hopeful. And fuel cells are beginning to surface in sectors largely invisible in the past. Sheridan said that the continued development and application of the technology amounts to a long-distance race.
But at least he and Ballard now appear to be gaining more political backing as evidenced at the Pacific Economic Summit's Clean Energy Conference held last week. Both Gordon Campbell, premier of British Columbia, and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger commended Ballard for its contributions to the development of alternative energy.
"We have to embrace the changes in front of us," Campbell said at the summit. "We have to look at what is being offered and ask: `How do we make the world a better place?' "That means we have to be willing to develop technologies that might not have an instant impact, "but that will have an impact 20 or 30 years from now."
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
John Sheridan, the president, chief executive and the director of Ballard Power Systems, remembered it fondly and paradoxically. Sheridan said in an interview: "For the most part, we had only a working proof-of-concept back then," he said. "We hadn't really begun to do anything with it. But everybody was excited about it."
Between 1989 and 1994 Ballard, hydrogen fuel cells and car companies like General Motors Corp. have begun investing heavily in fuel cell technology. But there were inherent problems that would restrict the public's interest. Fuel cell technology is science. And according to some, science often does not conform to the needs of the next news cycle. There are trials and errors.
Science has little respect for deadlines. Additionally, it is also complicated and expensive. Its intricacy defies the sound bite, whether political or straight news. As a fact, its expense rattles investors who are more interested in the next big payoff than they are in the next big or best thing.
Ballard, founded in 1979 as Ballard Research and now headquartered in Burnaby, had formulated a technology fated to change the world. It was a hydrogen fuel cell with a proton-exchange membrane. The technology would trigger a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. In cars and trucks, hydrogen fuel cells would signify an end to pollution coming from the Saturn muffler and other manufacturers' tailpipes. It would also mean curbing reliance on foreign oil. Additionally, the technology would remove the vehicle as a negative component in the environmental equation. The press was agog and politicians rapt. But the hype and the enthusiasm faded.
Ballard and hydrogen fuel cells faded from the news, ceded to the plea of gas-electric hybrid technology and to the delusions of the quick fix and the silver bullet. And therein dwells the satire. Neither hydrogen fuel cells nor Ballard went away. In fact, they are bigger than ever, as evidenced by Ballard's extensive research-and-development and manufacturing facility.
"Maybe we made some mistakes in the beginning by over-promising - that is, giving people the idea that the benefits of this technology would be immediate," Sheridan conceded. "The reality is that we're in a marathon race." He suggested that Ballard and the technology it has pioneered have many more miles to run before it reaches any finish line.
At present, notwithstanding its reported loss of $14.2 million in the first quarter, Ballard's future looks hopeful. And fuel cells are beginning to surface in sectors largely invisible in the past. Sheridan said that the continued development and application of the technology amounts to a long-distance race.
But at least he and Ballard now appear to be gaining more political backing as evidenced at the Pacific Economic Summit's Clean Energy Conference held last week. Both Gordon Campbell, premier of British Columbia, and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger commended Ballard for its contributions to the development of alternative energy.
"We have to embrace the changes in front of us," Campbell said at the summit. "We have to look at what is being offered and ask: `How do we make the world a better place?' "That means we have to be willing to develop technologies that might not have an instant impact, "but that will have an impact 20 or 30 years from now."
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
GM Readies Fuel Cell Technology by Anthony Fontanelle
General Motors has announced it is moving more than 500 fuel cell experts from advanced development laboratories to core engineering functions to prepare fuel cell technology for future production.
Over 400 fuel cell engineers will report to the company's Powertrain Group to start production engineering of fuel cell systems. The automaker added that 100 workers will transfer to GM's Global Product Development organization to begin integrating fuel cells into future product lines. Additionally, over 150 fuel cell scientists and program support will remain as part of the automaker's Research and Development center. They will continue advanced research in hydrogen storage, fuel cells and program commercialization. The decision of the largest American automaker is aimed at expediting its efforts to produce vehicles that displace petroleum through energy diversity.
GM Vice President Research and Development and Strategic Planning Larry Burns stands with the company's E-Flex Fuel Cell variant. "Eight years ago we said that hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle technology could make a major contribution to solving the energy and environmental challenges facing the automobile industry," said Burns. "Today's announcement signals another important milestone as we move fuel cell vehicles closer to future production."
"Moving our fuel cell experts from advanced development laboratories to our core engineering organizations highlights our strong commitment to developing electrically-driven vehicles using diverse energy sources" said Tom Stephens, the GM Group Vice President of Global Powertrain.
The GM realignment is another initiative in its commitment to displace petroleum usage in the industry through a range of propulsion alternatives. The alternatives include the E85-capable biofuel vehicles, two-mode hybrid system for large city buses, a two-mode hybrid system for the Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon, the Saturn Vue Green Line and Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid Systems, and a two-mode hybrid Vue Green Line.
The largest American automaker shared details about its fifth-generation fuel cell system technology at the Shanghai Auto Show in April when it introduced the fuel cell-powered E-Flex version of the Chevrolet Volt. This updated system is half the size of its forerunner but delivers the same performance and power. The Volt may not be flaunting the Chevrolet Camaro heat shield but it features the most advanced technology in the auto industry. The Volt is expected to be released a few years from now.
Currently, the company's fourth-generation system powers the Chevrolet Sequel and Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles. The Sequel is the first electrically-driven fuel cell vehicle to achieve over 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, in and out of traffic on public roads, while generating zero emissions. The Equinox Fuel Cell will be introduced later this year as part of Project Driveway, which will place over 100 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with consumers in New York, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
Leading the fuel cell engineering team is Dr. J. Byron McCormick, the current executive director of GM Fuel Cell Activities. McCormick will report simultaneously to Dan Hancock, the GM Powertrain Vice President for Global Engineering, and John Buttermore, the GM Powertrain Vice President for Global Manufacturing.
McCormick has been working on electric and fuel cell propulsion system research and development for more than three decades. He was part of the development of the EV-1 electric vehicle. In the past decade, he has led the GM fuel cell activities team to becoming the leader in fuel cell technology worldwide.
GM offers more vehicles that achieve 30 mpg on the highway than any other automaker in the U.S. market. Additionally, the company is also the first automotive member to join the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a group of global companies and non-governmental organizations formed to back an campaigns aimed at limiting carbon emissions.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Over 400 fuel cell engineers will report to the company's Powertrain Group to start production engineering of fuel cell systems. The automaker added that 100 workers will transfer to GM's Global Product Development organization to begin integrating fuel cells into future product lines. Additionally, over 150 fuel cell scientists and program support will remain as part of the automaker's Research and Development center. They will continue advanced research in hydrogen storage, fuel cells and program commercialization. The decision of the largest American automaker is aimed at expediting its efforts to produce vehicles that displace petroleum through energy diversity.
GM Vice President Research and Development and Strategic Planning Larry Burns stands with the company's E-Flex Fuel Cell variant. "Eight years ago we said that hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle technology could make a major contribution to solving the energy and environmental challenges facing the automobile industry," said Burns. "Today's announcement signals another important milestone as we move fuel cell vehicles closer to future production."
"Moving our fuel cell experts from advanced development laboratories to our core engineering organizations highlights our strong commitment to developing electrically-driven vehicles using diverse energy sources" said Tom Stephens, the GM Group Vice President of Global Powertrain.
The GM realignment is another initiative in its commitment to displace petroleum usage in the industry through a range of propulsion alternatives. The alternatives include the E85-capable biofuel vehicles, two-mode hybrid system for large city buses, a two-mode hybrid system for the Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon, the Saturn Vue Green Line and Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid Systems, and a two-mode hybrid Vue Green Line.
The largest American automaker shared details about its fifth-generation fuel cell system technology at the Shanghai Auto Show in April when it introduced the fuel cell-powered E-Flex version of the Chevrolet Volt. This updated system is half the size of its forerunner but delivers the same performance and power. The Volt may not be flaunting the Chevrolet Camaro heat shield but it features the most advanced technology in the auto industry. The Volt is expected to be released a few years from now.
Currently, the company's fourth-generation system powers the Chevrolet Sequel and Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles. The Sequel is the first electrically-driven fuel cell vehicle to achieve over 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, in and out of traffic on public roads, while generating zero emissions. The Equinox Fuel Cell will be introduced later this year as part of Project Driveway, which will place over 100 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with consumers in New York, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
Leading the fuel cell engineering team is Dr. J. Byron McCormick, the current executive director of GM Fuel Cell Activities. McCormick will report simultaneously to Dan Hancock, the GM Powertrain Vice President for Global Engineering, and John Buttermore, the GM Powertrain Vice President for Global Manufacturing.
McCormick has been working on electric and fuel cell propulsion system research and development for more than three decades. He was part of the development of the EV-1 electric vehicle. In the past decade, he has led the GM fuel cell activities team to becoming the leader in fuel cell technology worldwide.
GM offers more vehicles that achieve 30 mpg on the highway than any other automaker in the U.S. market. Additionally, the company is also the first automotive member to join the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a group of global companies and non-governmental organizations formed to back an campaigns aimed at limiting carbon emissions.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
GM Exec: Hydrogen Powered Cars Could Be On the Road in 6 Years by Iver Penn
Soon hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles could be on the road with regular drivers behind the wheel in a few test areas. How soon? Within five or six years, according to Larry Burns, vice president of research and development for General Motors Corp. The GM official offered the prediction this week as the company announced that it has moved 500 fuel cell engineers and scientists from the laboratory side of the company into the chain of command that actually produces cars.
Burns said he's not yet willing to say exactly when hydrogen vehicles will be mass produced, but did say that it should happen before 2020, the year many experts have predicted.
"I sure would be disappointed if we weren't there before 2020," he said during a Wednesday interview with The Associated Press at his office in GM's sprawling technical center campus in the Detroit suburb of Warren. He also added that GM's organizational change, announced Friday, shows the company is confident enough in its research to take the step toward making the cars.
Burns compared GM's organizational change to when it moved its engineers working on hybrid gasoline-electric power systems from research to production in 2003. At that time GM had no hybrid models on the market -- now it has five, he said.
Hydrogen-powered fuel-cell cars use hydrogen to produce electricity that fuels an electric motor. They are quieter than gasoline engines and their only waste product is water. The benefits of this technology are reduced dependence on petroleum for transportation as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Virtually every automaker is testing hydrogen-powered vehicles, with Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. considered the furthest along.
Government and industry experts have said that there are many obstacles to widespread use of hydrogen-powered cars, ranging from high costs and a lack of fueling stations to the need for improved storage capacity and better range.
GM workers will not physically move from their three U.S. locations and one site in Germany. But Burns said the structural change is important in GM's quest for leadership in the race to bring a fuel-cell electric vehicle into mass production. A small group will stay in research to develop longer-term technology.
GM - which also is maker of quality GMC shock absorber - already has hand-built the Sequel, a hydrogen-powered crossover sport utility vehicle with a range of about 300 miles. It was driven safely on public roads during a recent trip in upstate New York. Engineers still need to reduce the costs though to make fuel cell vehicles marketable, Burns said.
The company also plans to place more than 100 fuel cell-powered vehicles with consumers in New York, Washington and Los Angeles later this year.
Once the wider testing areas are set up and engineers can check real-world performance, Burns said he expects fuel cell vehicles and the necessary filling stations to spread gradually throughout the world.
About the Author
Iver Penn is a Mass Communications graduate who hails from Wyoming. She is at present an associate editor of a publishing company in Colorado.
Burns said he's not yet willing to say exactly when hydrogen vehicles will be mass produced, but did say that it should happen before 2020, the year many experts have predicted.
"I sure would be disappointed if we weren't there before 2020," he said during a Wednesday interview with The Associated Press at his office in GM's sprawling technical center campus in the Detroit suburb of Warren. He also added that GM's organizational change, announced Friday, shows the company is confident enough in its research to take the step toward making the cars.
Burns compared GM's organizational change to when it moved its engineers working on hybrid gasoline-electric power systems from research to production in 2003. At that time GM had no hybrid models on the market -- now it has five, he said.
Hydrogen-powered fuel-cell cars use hydrogen to produce electricity that fuels an electric motor. They are quieter than gasoline engines and their only waste product is water. The benefits of this technology are reduced dependence on petroleum for transportation as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Virtually every automaker is testing hydrogen-powered vehicles, with Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. considered the furthest along.
Government and industry experts have said that there are many obstacles to widespread use of hydrogen-powered cars, ranging from high costs and a lack of fueling stations to the need for improved storage capacity and better range.
GM workers will not physically move from their three U.S. locations and one site in Germany. But Burns said the structural change is important in GM's quest for leadership in the race to bring a fuel-cell electric vehicle into mass production. A small group will stay in research to develop longer-term technology.
GM - which also is maker of quality GMC shock absorber - already has hand-built the Sequel, a hydrogen-powered crossover sport utility vehicle with a range of about 300 miles. It was driven safely on public roads during a recent trip in upstate New York. Engineers still need to reduce the costs though to make fuel cell vehicles marketable, Burns said.
The company also plans to place more than 100 fuel cell-powered vehicles with consumers in New York, Washington and Los Angeles later this year.
Once the wider testing areas are set up and engineers can check real-world performance, Burns said he expects fuel cell vehicles and the necessary filling stations to spread gradually throughout the world.
About the Author
Iver Penn is a Mass Communications graduate who hails from Wyoming. She is at present an associate editor of a publishing company in Colorado.
What's mean is Fuel Cell (1) ? by mary lv
(1)?Hydrogen must be carried in a pressurized bottle. If propane, natural gas
or diesel are used, a reformer is needed to convert the fuel to hydrogen.
Reformers for PEMFCs are bulky and expensive. They start slowly and
purification is required. Often the hydrogen is delivered at low pressure and
additional compression is required. Some fuel efficiency is lost and a
certain amount of pollution is produced. However, these pollutants are typically 90 percent
less than what comes from the tailpipe of a car. The fuel cell concept was developed
in 1839 by Sir William Grove, a Welsh judge and gentleman scientist. The
invention never took off, partly because of the success of the internal
combustion engine. It was not until the second half of the 20th century when
scientists learned how to better utilize materials such as platinum and
Teflon? that the fuel cell could be put to practical use. A fuel cell can be thought of as
electrolysis in reverse, using two electrodes separated by an electrolyte.
Hydrogen is presented to the negative electrode (anode) and oxygen to the
positive electrode (cathode). A catalyst at the anode separates the hydrogen
into positively charged hydrogen ions and negatively charged electrons. On
the PEM system, the hydrogen is catalyzed; the smaller protons migrate across
the membrane to the cathode where they combine with oxygen to produce water
and heat. The electrodes pick up the electrons to produce an electric
current. A single fuel cell produces 0.6 to 0.8V under load. Several cells
are connected in series to obtain higher voltages. more info:www.good-battery.com
About the Author
if you have any questions,pls feel free to contact www.good-battery.com
or diesel are used, a reformer is needed to convert the fuel to hydrogen.
Reformers for PEMFCs are bulky and expensive. They start slowly and
purification is required. Often the hydrogen is delivered at low pressure and
additional compression is required. Some fuel efficiency is lost and a
certain amount of pollution is produced. However, these pollutants are typically 90 percent
less than what comes from the tailpipe of a car. The fuel cell concept was developed
in 1839 by Sir William Grove, a Welsh judge and gentleman scientist. The
invention never took off, partly because of the success of the internal
combustion engine. It was not until the second half of the 20th century when
scientists learned how to better utilize materials such as platinum and
Teflon? that the fuel cell could be put to practical use. A fuel cell can be thought of as
electrolysis in reverse, using two electrodes separated by an electrolyte.
Hydrogen is presented to the negative electrode (anode) and oxygen to the
positive electrode (cathode). A catalyst at the anode separates the hydrogen
into positively charged hydrogen ions and negatively charged electrons. On
the PEM system, the hydrogen is catalyzed; the smaller protons migrate across
the membrane to the cathode where they combine with oxygen to produce water
and heat. The electrodes pick up the electrons to produce an electric
current. A single fuel cell produces 0.6 to 0.8V under load. Several cells
are connected in series to obtain higher voltages. more info:www.good-battery.com
About the Author
if you have any questions,pls feel free to contact www.good-battery.com
Challenges of Using Fuel Cells to Power Our Cars by Bob Jent
Clean, reliable, efficient energy is possible through the use of hydrogen fuel cells. Fuel cell vehicles that have hydrogen stored on board do not produce any pollution. Their only byproducts are water and heat.
High volume hydrogen production will be necessary to provide the fuel for the hydrogen car. Most hydrogen in the United States is produced today through the steam reforming of natural gas produced by companies like Western Pipeline Corporation. The cost to produce and deliver this hydrogen is too expensive to make it economically feasible. New technologies are being developed that will lower the cost. These methods will include splitting water into its two components of hydrogen and oxygen such as photobiological water splitting and photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Creating an affordable on-board hydrogen storage system (gas tank) is the biggest challenge hydrogen researchers are faced with. Storing hydrogen is a problem because as a gas hydrogen takes up a lot of space. There are three types of storage tanks: compressed hydrogen, liquid hydrogen and metal hydride tanks. Compressed hydrogen is most prevalent today because it doesn't require the super cooling and insulation of liquid hydrogen. Liquid hydrogen requires special handling and materials to contain and keep the fuel cool and safety is an issue. Metal hydride tanks use specific metallic compounds to release hydrogen at consistent pressures.
A hydrogen generation and delivery infrastructure such as pipelines, trucks, fueling stations and hydrogen generation plants need to be developed. One of the largest infrastructure challenges of hydrogen are fueling stations. For hydrogen cars to be successful hydrogen fueling stations will be required. California has active hydrogen fuel stations. There are hydrogen home stations available as well.
Hydrogen is highly flammable. Hydrogen concept cars are placing the fuel tanks in the middle of the chassis to protect the passengers. Hydrogen fuel cells are also fragile and need to be strong enough to handle the automobile bumps. Processes will have to be developed to respond to hydrogen related accidents. Firemen, policeman and all other responders will have to be trained.
Hydrogen fuel cells today are expensive to produce. New technology is needed to reduce the cost of the component pieces of fuel cells. GM has set a deadline of 2010 to make hydrogen technology safe and affordable. However, production of hydrogen vehicles depends on safe, affordable and convenient availability of hydrogen. Government and industry will have to invest heavily to assure this.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
High volume hydrogen production will be necessary to provide the fuel for the hydrogen car. Most hydrogen in the United States is produced today through the steam reforming of natural gas produced by companies like Western Pipeline Corporation. The cost to produce and deliver this hydrogen is too expensive to make it economically feasible. New technologies are being developed that will lower the cost. These methods will include splitting water into its two components of hydrogen and oxygen such as photobiological water splitting and photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Creating an affordable on-board hydrogen storage system (gas tank) is the biggest challenge hydrogen researchers are faced with. Storing hydrogen is a problem because as a gas hydrogen takes up a lot of space. There are three types of storage tanks: compressed hydrogen, liquid hydrogen and metal hydride tanks. Compressed hydrogen is most prevalent today because it doesn't require the super cooling and insulation of liquid hydrogen. Liquid hydrogen requires special handling and materials to contain and keep the fuel cool and safety is an issue. Metal hydride tanks use specific metallic compounds to release hydrogen at consistent pressures.
A hydrogen generation and delivery infrastructure such as pipelines, trucks, fueling stations and hydrogen generation plants need to be developed. One of the largest infrastructure challenges of hydrogen are fueling stations. For hydrogen cars to be successful hydrogen fueling stations will be required. California has active hydrogen fuel stations. There are hydrogen home stations available as well.
Hydrogen is highly flammable. Hydrogen concept cars are placing the fuel tanks in the middle of the chassis to protect the passengers. Hydrogen fuel cells are also fragile and need to be strong enough to handle the automobile bumps. Processes will have to be developed to respond to hydrogen related accidents. Firemen, policeman and all other responders will have to be trained.
Hydrogen fuel cells today are expensive to produce. New technology is needed to reduce the cost of the component pieces of fuel cells. GM has set a deadline of 2010 to make hydrogen technology safe and affordable. However, production of hydrogen vehicles depends on safe, affordable and convenient availability of hydrogen. Government and industry will have to invest heavily to assure this.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
What's All This Talk about Fuel Cells Anyway? by Bob Jent
Fuel cell is a term heard in the media and it seems to have something to do with running our cars and heating our homes. Hope that the fuel cell can be one of the solutions to our energy needs is talked about but it's a bit unclear as to what exactly a fuel cell is, how it works and what exactly it can and will do.
In simple terms a fuel cell can be thought of as a battery. A battery converts chemicals inside it into electricity and eventually goes dead. Batteries have all of their chemicals stored inside. Fuel cells have chemicals constantly flowing into them so they never go dead. The majority of fuel cells in use today use hydrogen and oxygen as the chemicals.
The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity with water and heat as the by product. The fuel conversion does not involve combustion; it's an electrochemical process so it is clean, quiet and two to three times more efficient than combustion.
Our high school chemistry classes taught us that hydrogen is the most plentiful gas in the universe. Hydrogen is similar to natural gas in that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. If you are thinking that natural gas does have an odor remember that something is added to the natural gas in processing to produce an odor so that we know when there is a leak. Hydrogen is the lightest chemical element but it has the highest energy content per unit of weight of all the fuels.
Hydrogen is always combined with other elements such as oxygen and carbon, never found alone. Oil and natural gas are a mix of primarily hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. The hydrogen is extracted from the hydrogen compound to be used to run the fuel cells. Oil companies, like Western Pipeline Corporation, extract natural gas which is then used to produce hydrogen through steam reforming.
There is a lot of fear regarding hydrogen as a fuel source because of safety issues. It has high energy content and must be handled properly. Fear is largely based on the fact that hydrogen is an unknown quantity. People remember the Hindenburg blowing up in 1937 and the threat of the hydrogen bomb. Hydrogen has been used in the chemical, food and electronics industries with an excellent safety track record for years.
Fuel cells provide a direct current that can be used to power almost any type of motor, lights and other types of electrical devices. Automakers are working to commercialize a fuel cell car with expectations of commercial availability by 2010. President Bush announced a $1.2 billion Hydrogen Fuel Initiative in 2003 funded to develop the technology needed for commercially viable hydrogen-powered fuel cells to power cars, trucks, homes and businesses. Fuel cells are used today as stationary generators in hospitals, utility power plants and schools. They are also used in telecommunications, wastewater treatment plants and landfills.
Fuel cells offer a very attractive alternative to oil dependency and their use will continue to grow as the cost of production declines.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
In simple terms a fuel cell can be thought of as a battery. A battery converts chemicals inside it into electricity and eventually goes dead. Batteries have all of their chemicals stored inside. Fuel cells have chemicals constantly flowing into them so they never go dead. The majority of fuel cells in use today use hydrogen and oxygen as the chemicals.
The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity with water and heat as the by product. The fuel conversion does not involve combustion; it's an electrochemical process so it is clean, quiet and two to three times more efficient than combustion.
Our high school chemistry classes taught us that hydrogen is the most plentiful gas in the universe. Hydrogen is similar to natural gas in that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. If you are thinking that natural gas does have an odor remember that something is added to the natural gas in processing to produce an odor so that we know when there is a leak. Hydrogen is the lightest chemical element but it has the highest energy content per unit of weight of all the fuels.
Hydrogen is always combined with other elements such as oxygen and carbon, never found alone. Oil and natural gas are a mix of primarily hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. The hydrogen is extracted from the hydrogen compound to be used to run the fuel cells. Oil companies, like Western Pipeline Corporation, extract natural gas which is then used to produce hydrogen through steam reforming.
There is a lot of fear regarding hydrogen as a fuel source because of safety issues. It has high energy content and must be handled properly. Fear is largely based on the fact that hydrogen is an unknown quantity. People remember the Hindenburg blowing up in 1937 and the threat of the hydrogen bomb. Hydrogen has been used in the chemical, food and electronics industries with an excellent safety track record for years.
Fuel cells provide a direct current that can be used to power almost any type of motor, lights and other types of electrical devices. Automakers are working to commercialize a fuel cell car with expectations of commercial availability by 2010. President Bush announced a $1.2 billion Hydrogen Fuel Initiative in 2003 funded to develop the technology needed for commercially viable hydrogen-powered fuel cells to power cars, trucks, homes and businesses. Fuel cells are used today as stationary generators in hospitals, utility power plants and schools. They are also used in telecommunications, wastewater treatment plants and landfills.
Fuel cells offer a very attractive alternative to oil dependency and their use will continue to grow as the cost of production declines.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
The Hydrogen Economy by Euan Blauvelt
The energy sectors in both the United States and Europe are on the cusp of immense change. New technologies are being developed and opportunities for entrepreneurial ideas and innovative approaches are ripening at a time when capital-intensive, aging energy infrastructure is in need of improvement.
The world currently exists in a carbon economy. 80% of the primary energy which drives the world is derived from hydrocarbon fossil fuels; oil 35%, coal 24% and natural gas 21% and 11% is contributed by renewables, almost all renewable biomass. In the last two centuries the volume of carbon consumption has increased exponentially with the world's industrialisation.
The carbon economy has given great economic benefits to mankind but it is subject to two limitations. Although new reserves of hydrocarbons and new technologies to exploit them are being discovered all the time, these resources are not limitless. Secondly, fossil fuels emit greenhouse gasses and other pollutants when they are burned and these emissions have reached dangerous proportions. Alternatives to the carbon economy are feasible although wide scale use is some years in the future. A hydrogen economy is one such option, in which the sustainable energy supply system of the future features electricity and hydrogen as the dominant energy carriers. Hydrogen will be produced from a diverse base of primary energy feedstocks, or from water using renewable electricity in the process. The use of hydrogen energy would reduce dependence on petroleum and the pollution and greenhouse gas emissions caused by carbons.
The development of the hydrogen economy will advance on two fronts. The development of another technology, the fuel cell, is essential to the exploitation of hydrogen; the two are interlinked. It is important to understand that hydrogen is not a primary energy source like coal and gas; it is an energy carrier, like electricity. Hydrogen can be converted to energy via traditional combustion methods and through electrochemical processes in fuel cells. Initially it will be produced using existing energy systems based on different conventional primary energy sources and carriers. In the longer term renewable energy sources could become the most important source for the production of hydrogen.
Fuel cells utilise the chemical energy of hydrogen to produce electricity and thermal energy. A fuel cell is a quiet, clean source of energy. Water is the only by-product it emits if it uses hydrogen directly. Fuel cells are similar to batteries in that they are composed of positive and negative electrodes with an electrolyte or membrane. The difference between fuel cells and batteries is that energy is not recharged and stored in fuel cells as it is in batteries. Fuel cells receive their energy from the hydrogen or similar fuel that is supplied to them. No charge is thereby necessary.
Fuel cells are already used in a wide variety of products, ranging from very small fuel cells in portable devices such as mobile phones and laptops, mobile applications like cars, delivery vehicles, buses and ships, to heat and power generators in stationary applications in the domestic and industrial sector. Fuel cells are customarily classified into the three categories; stationary, portable and mobile or transport. Within these three overall groupings there are sub-categories.
Although there are many positive factors in the concept of a hydrogen economy, there are arguments against it. The potential benefits include high efficiencies, decentralised power generation, security of supply, reduced emissions, reliable and silent operation, energy savings, multiple uses and opportunities for hybrids. On the downside there are huge technological challenges and massive investment is needed to create capacity and infrastructure for the production and delivery of hydrogen. The environmental benefits are only as good as the sources and processes of production, and finally there are competitive technologies.
New technologies include large scale electrification in conjunction with plug-in hybrid vehicles and Li-ion batteries in transport. In the stationary applications market, distributed electricity generation or cogeneration present an alternative to hydrogen. Other significant competitors are a new level of power generation technologies, such as large, increased efficiency coal and gas-fired power plants, possibly using underground coal gasification (UCG) with CO2 capture and storage (CCS), renewable electricity supply technologies which are already widespread in the market (wind and solar PV) or now being commercialised (ocean and tidal energy), and new nuclear power technologies. At the same time, new technologies such as micro-turbines and Stirling engines are being introduced in combined heat and power applications. All of these technologies are in the pipeline and will not simply be overridden by hydrogen.
Virtually all of the OECD countries treat research into hydrogen and fuel cells as an important and in most cases an increasingly important, element of their overall public policy and programme planning activities.
An important feature of hydrogen and fuel cell research and development is the exceptionally strong involvement and commitment of industry as well as governments. The US federal government proposes spending $2.7 billion over the next five years on hydrogen and fuel cell research and development, and advanced automotive technologies. The Japanese government plans to spend over $380 million a year on fuel cell research, development and commercialisation. The FP- Framework Programme - is the EU's main instrument for research funding in Europe and was first adopted in 1984, each lasting for a five year period. FP 7 has a total budget of over €50 billion and some €275 million is earmarked for hydrogen and fuel cells, in addition to national expenditures. It cannot be taken as a forgone conclusion that an exclusive hydrogen economy will emerge.
Hydrogen is coming but it may consist of a hybrid of hydrogen applications side by side with conventional fossil fuels, nuclear and renewable energy. The final evolution is so far in the future and the waters are so uncharted that many variants are possible. Iceland, although small, has a high proportion of renewable energy, mainly geothermal and is interesting because the government has determined that the country should be the first with a hydrogen economy.
About the Author
Euan Blauvelt was trained in market research in London, later moving to Southeast Asia for twelve years where he was responsible for many research studies for a wide range of industries and governments. He was a co-founder of ABS Energy Research seventeen years ago, which specialises in energy and environmental services market research .
The world currently exists in a carbon economy. 80% of the primary energy which drives the world is derived from hydrocarbon fossil fuels; oil 35%, coal 24% and natural gas 21% and 11% is contributed by renewables, almost all renewable biomass. In the last two centuries the volume of carbon consumption has increased exponentially with the world's industrialisation.
The carbon economy has given great economic benefits to mankind but it is subject to two limitations. Although new reserves of hydrocarbons and new technologies to exploit them are being discovered all the time, these resources are not limitless. Secondly, fossil fuels emit greenhouse gasses and other pollutants when they are burned and these emissions have reached dangerous proportions. Alternatives to the carbon economy are feasible although wide scale use is some years in the future. A hydrogen economy is one such option, in which the sustainable energy supply system of the future features electricity and hydrogen as the dominant energy carriers. Hydrogen will be produced from a diverse base of primary energy feedstocks, or from water using renewable electricity in the process. The use of hydrogen energy would reduce dependence on petroleum and the pollution and greenhouse gas emissions caused by carbons.
The development of the hydrogen economy will advance on two fronts. The development of another technology, the fuel cell, is essential to the exploitation of hydrogen; the two are interlinked. It is important to understand that hydrogen is not a primary energy source like coal and gas; it is an energy carrier, like electricity. Hydrogen can be converted to energy via traditional combustion methods and through electrochemical processes in fuel cells. Initially it will be produced using existing energy systems based on different conventional primary energy sources and carriers. In the longer term renewable energy sources could become the most important source for the production of hydrogen.
Fuel cells utilise the chemical energy of hydrogen to produce electricity and thermal energy. A fuel cell is a quiet, clean source of energy. Water is the only by-product it emits if it uses hydrogen directly. Fuel cells are similar to batteries in that they are composed of positive and negative electrodes with an electrolyte or membrane. The difference between fuel cells and batteries is that energy is not recharged and stored in fuel cells as it is in batteries. Fuel cells receive their energy from the hydrogen or similar fuel that is supplied to them. No charge is thereby necessary.
Fuel cells are already used in a wide variety of products, ranging from very small fuel cells in portable devices such as mobile phones and laptops, mobile applications like cars, delivery vehicles, buses and ships, to heat and power generators in stationary applications in the domestic and industrial sector. Fuel cells are customarily classified into the three categories; stationary, portable and mobile or transport. Within these three overall groupings there are sub-categories.
Although there are many positive factors in the concept of a hydrogen economy, there are arguments against it. The potential benefits include high efficiencies, decentralised power generation, security of supply, reduced emissions, reliable and silent operation, energy savings, multiple uses and opportunities for hybrids. On the downside there are huge technological challenges and massive investment is needed to create capacity and infrastructure for the production and delivery of hydrogen. The environmental benefits are only as good as the sources and processes of production, and finally there are competitive technologies.
New technologies include large scale electrification in conjunction with plug-in hybrid vehicles and Li-ion batteries in transport. In the stationary applications market, distributed electricity generation or cogeneration present an alternative to hydrogen. Other significant competitors are a new level of power generation technologies, such as large, increased efficiency coal and gas-fired power plants, possibly using underground coal gasification (UCG) with CO2 capture and storage (CCS), renewable electricity supply technologies which are already widespread in the market (wind and solar PV) or now being commercialised (ocean and tidal energy), and new nuclear power technologies. At the same time, new technologies such as micro-turbines and Stirling engines are being introduced in combined heat and power applications. All of these technologies are in the pipeline and will not simply be overridden by hydrogen.
Virtually all of the OECD countries treat research into hydrogen and fuel cells as an important and in most cases an increasingly important, element of their overall public policy and programme planning activities.
An important feature of hydrogen and fuel cell research and development is the exceptionally strong involvement and commitment of industry as well as governments. The US federal government proposes spending $2.7 billion over the next five years on hydrogen and fuel cell research and development, and advanced automotive technologies. The Japanese government plans to spend over $380 million a year on fuel cell research, development and commercialisation. The FP- Framework Programme - is the EU's main instrument for research funding in Europe and was first adopted in 1984, each lasting for a five year period. FP 7 has a total budget of over €50 billion and some €275 million is earmarked for hydrogen and fuel cells, in addition to national expenditures. It cannot be taken as a forgone conclusion that an exclusive hydrogen economy will emerge.
Hydrogen is coming but it may consist of a hybrid of hydrogen applications side by side with conventional fossil fuels, nuclear and renewable energy. The final evolution is so far in the future and the waters are so uncharted that many variants are possible. Iceland, although small, has a high proportion of renewable energy, mainly geothermal and is interesting because the government has determined that the country should be the first with a hydrogen economy.
About the Author
Euan Blauvelt was trained in market research in London, later moving to Southeast Asia for twelve years where he was responsible for many research studies for a wide range of industries and governments. He was a co-founder of ABS Energy Research seventeen years ago, which specialises in energy and environmental services market research .
Bush Views Fuel Cell Powered Lift Truck At GrafTech by Anthony Fontanelle
President George W. Bush viewed Wednesday a demonstration of a fuel cell powered lift truck while touring the GrafTech International Ltd. facility in Parma, Ohio.
GrafTech manufactures graphite material for the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power unit created by Cellex Power Products Inc., a subsidiary of Plug Power Inc. The Cellex fuel cell system provides clean, reliable power for electric lift trucks made by Crown Equipment Corporation. Representatives from both companies participated in yesterday's tour and lift truck demonstration.
GrafTech is one of the world's biggest manufacturers of high quality synthetic and natural graphite as well as carbon based products. The company manufactures graphite electrodes; products which are essential to the production of electric arc furnace steel.
GrafTech Chief Executive Officer Craig Shular has this to say: "It is an honor for GrafTech to host President Bush. Our team's collaboration with Cellex and Crown has been crucial in gaining support for the early adaptation of what we believe represents a significant growth opportunity in fuel cell power generation."
Crown, headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer of electric lift trucks in the United States and the fifth biggest lift truck maker in the world. The company's award- winning line of lift trucks has etched a reputation for outstanding product design, engineering and manufacturing. From the smallest hand pallet truck to the highest lifting turret truck, Crown seeks to provide users with safe, efficient and ergonomic lift trucks that lower total cost of ownership and maximize uptime.
"As a technology leader in the lift truck industry, Crown is actively participating in and supporting the development of alternative fuels that provide power savings for our customers," said Crown President Jim Dicke, III. "Crown has been working closely with Cellex for many years to find the right balance of fuel cells, amount of fuel, weight requirements and other factors to give lift truck customers the performance they expect."
Fuel cells offer an ideal value proposition within the $1.5 billion motive power market to operators of large warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers. With fleets consist of hundreds of lift trucks, these operations can benefit from centralized maintenance and fueling infrastructures.
The Cellex Power system offers value to purchasers via increased productivity and diminished fueling time and cost, as well as the eradication of environmental and safety issues linked to conventional lead acid batteries. Adoption in the lift truck market is expected to pave the way for development of other markets on the path toward a hydrogen economy and increased energy independence.
The fuel cell power system from Cellex Power was used to power a Crown model PE End-Controlled Rider Pallet Truck. The Cellex fuel cell contains a fuel cell stack supplied by Ballard Power Systems of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, which incorporates GrafTech's GRAFCELL(R) material as a primary component.
"President Bush's visit marked an excellent opportunity to showcase how fuel cells can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to batteries for material handling needs in warehouses and distribution centers," said Chris Reid, Cellex Power's President. "Supply chain partners such as GrafTech and Crown are vital in building a strong foundation for the widespread application of fuel cell systems."
President Bush has graced several demonstrations of environment-friendly vehicles including the Chevrolet Volt and other flex-fuel vehicles. And the industry is absorbed in making it big. In the near future, auto shoppers could expect that Chevrolet Cavalier cargo carrier will cram a flex-fuel vehicle.
Plug Power, a leader in providing clean, reliable on-site energy products, recently purchased Cellex Power and General Hydrogen Corporation as part of its strategic business initiative.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
GrafTech manufactures graphite material for the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power unit created by Cellex Power Products Inc., a subsidiary of Plug Power Inc. The Cellex fuel cell system provides clean, reliable power for electric lift trucks made by Crown Equipment Corporation. Representatives from both companies participated in yesterday's tour and lift truck demonstration.
GrafTech is one of the world's biggest manufacturers of high quality synthetic and natural graphite as well as carbon based products. The company manufactures graphite electrodes; products which are essential to the production of electric arc furnace steel.
GrafTech Chief Executive Officer Craig Shular has this to say: "It is an honor for GrafTech to host President Bush. Our team's collaboration with Cellex and Crown has been crucial in gaining support for the early adaptation of what we believe represents a significant growth opportunity in fuel cell power generation."
Crown, headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer of electric lift trucks in the United States and the fifth biggest lift truck maker in the world. The company's award- winning line of lift trucks has etched a reputation for outstanding product design, engineering and manufacturing. From the smallest hand pallet truck to the highest lifting turret truck, Crown seeks to provide users with safe, efficient and ergonomic lift trucks that lower total cost of ownership and maximize uptime.
"As a technology leader in the lift truck industry, Crown is actively participating in and supporting the development of alternative fuels that provide power savings for our customers," said Crown President Jim Dicke, III. "Crown has been working closely with Cellex for many years to find the right balance of fuel cells, amount of fuel, weight requirements and other factors to give lift truck customers the performance they expect."
Fuel cells offer an ideal value proposition within the $1.5 billion motive power market to operators of large warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers. With fleets consist of hundreds of lift trucks, these operations can benefit from centralized maintenance and fueling infrastructures.
The Cellex Power system offers value to purchasers via increased productivity and diminished fueling time and cost, as well as the eradication of environmental and safety issues linked to conventional lead acid batteries. Adoption in the lift truck market is expected to pave the way for development of other markets on the path toward a hydrogen economy and increased energy independence.
The fuel cell power system from Cellex Power was used to power a Crown model PE End-Controlled Rider Pallet Truck. The Cellex fuel cell contains a fuel cell stack supplied by Ballard Power Systems of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, which incorporates GrafTech's GRAFCELL(R) material as a primary component.
"President Bush's visit marked an excellent opportunity to showcase how fuel cells can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to batteries for material handling needs in warehouses and distribution centers," said Chris Reid, Cellex Power's President. "Supply chain partners such as GrafTech and Crown are vital in building a strong foundation for the widespread application of fuel cell systems."
President Bush has graced several demonstrations of environment-friendly vehicles including the Chevrolet Volt and other flex-fuel vehicles. And the industry is absorbed in making it big. In the near future, auto shoppers could expect that Chevrolet Cavalier cargo carrier will cram a flex-fuel vehicle.
Plug Power, a leader in providing clean, reliable on-site energy products, recently purchased Cellex Power and General Hydrogen Corporation as part of its strategic business initiative.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Chevy Volt Crosses Border To Canada by Anthony Fontanelle
Since the unveiling of the concept version of the Chevy Volt at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) earlier this year, it has attracted the attention of the entire auto industry. Recently, the Chevy Volt Concept made its way across the border to be unveiled for the first time in Canadian soil. The debut of the Volt in Canada came at the energy and Environment Conference in Toronto.
The Chevy Volt promises a vehicle that would virtually eliminate the need for a city driver to refill its gas tank. This is because the Volt is a plug-in hybrid vehicle. This means that its battery can be recharged using a common household socket. Its battery pack can power the stylish Volt for long distances before needing another recharge.
"If you are like most Canadians who live and work within a 64 kilometer round trip the Volt is a gas free, emission free car," says David Paterson, the vice president for corporate and environmental affairs for General Motors of Canada. "Drivers will simply unplug and go each morning - much as we do with our cell phones today," he added further.
According to General Motors, the Volt can be recharged using an ordinary 110-volt socket. To fully charge the vehicle's battery, it requires about six hours of uninterrupted charging. This means that a Chevy Volt owner can charge the car before going to bed at night and the Volt will be fully charged by morning.
A fully charged battery pack can provide the Volt with power for it to cover 64 kilometers. The vehicle is tailor made for drivers who does most of their driving within a city. The 64 mile allocation may be enough for Volt owners to eliminate refueling the vehicle with gasoline. It is calculated that power from the grid is less expensive than gasoline thus making the Chevy Volt a practical vehicle.
In case that a driver needs to cover more than 64 miles in a day, an internal combustion engine (ICE), called the range extender by General Motors, will kick in. The ICE will be configured to run on alternative fuel such as ethanol, hydrogen or biodiesel. It can also run on conventional gasoline. The engine will be used to charge the vehicle's battery pack. The combination of the range extender and the electric motor gives the Volt an impressive 1,000 kilometer range.
"At GM we believe that tomorrow's automobile must be flexible to accommodate many different energy sources and choices for consumers, and a key part of that flexibility will be enabled by electrically driven cars," says Paterson. "With battery contracts in place and a dedicated team of engineers, General Motors is moving to bring the Volt closer to reality."
General Motors recently awarded developmental contracts to two companies. The two companies will be working on the development of efficient and advanced lithium-ion battery packs for the Chevy Volt.
Once the Volt goes into production, it will join other environment-friendly vehicles in General Motors' lineup. In Canada, General Motors will be offering hybrid versions of the Saturn Vue and the Aura as well as the Chevy Malibu. A two-mode hybrid version of the Chevrolet Tahoe winch mount¬-equipped Tahoe will be a part of General Motors' offering in the country along with the GMC Yukon come this fall. Two-mode hybrid versions of the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra will be added next year.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
The Chevy Volt promises a vehicle that would virtually eliminate the need for a city driver to refill its gas tank. This is because the Volt is a plug-in hybrid vehicle. This means that its battery can be recharged using a common household socket. Its battery pack can power the stylish Volt for long distances before needing another recharge.
"If you are like most Canadians who live and work within a 64 kilometer round trip the Volt is a gas free, emission free car," says David Paterson, the vice president for corporate and environmental affairs for General Motors of Canada. "Drivers will simply unplug and go each morning - much as we do with our cell phones today," he added further.
According to General Motors, the Volt can be recharged using an ordinary 110-volt socket. To fully charge the vehicle's battery, it requires about six hours of uninterrupted charging. This means that a Chevy Volt owner can charge the car before going to bed at night and the Volt will be fully charged by morning.
A fully charged battery pack can provide the Volt with power for it to cover 64 kilometers. The vehicle is tailor made for drivers who does most of their driving within a city. The 64 mile allocation may be enough for Volt owners to eliminate refueling the vehicle with gasoline. It is calculated that power from the grid is less expensive than gasoline thus making the Chevy Volt a practical vehicle.
In case that a driver needs to cover more than 64 miles in a day, an internal combustion engine (ICE), called the range extender by General Motors, will kick in. The ICE will be configured to run on alternative fuel such as ethanol, hydrogen or biodiesel. It can also run on conventional gasoline. The engine will be used to charge the vehicle's battery pack. The combination of the range extender and the electric motor gives the Volt an impressive 1,000 kilometer range.
"At GM we believe that tomorrow's automobile must be flexible to accommodate many different energy sources and choices for consumers, and a key part of that flexibility will be enabled by electrically driven cars," says Paterson. "With battery contracts in place and a dedicated team of engineers, General Motors is moving to bring the Volt closer to reality."
General Motors recently awarded developmental contracts to two companies. The two companies will be working on the development of efficient and advanced lithium-ion battery packs for the Chevy Volt.
Once the Volt goes into production, it will join other environment-friendly vehicles in General Motors' lineup. In Canada, General Motors will be offering hybrid versions of the Saturn Vue and the Aura as well as the Chevy Malibu. A two-mode hybrid version of the Chevrolet Tahoe winch mount¬-equipped Tahoe will be a part of General Motors' offering in the country along with the GMC Yukon come this fall. Two-mode hybrid versions of the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra will be added next year.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
What's mean is Fuel Cell ? by mary lv
fuel cell is an electrochemical device which combines hydrogen fuel with
oxygen to produce electric power, heat and water. In many ways, the fuel cell
resembles a battery. Rather than
applying a periodic recharge, a continuous supply of oxygen and hydrogen is
supplied from the outside. Oxygen is drawn from the air and hydrogen is
carried as a fuel in a pressurized container. As alternative fuel, methanol,
propane, butane and natural gas can be used. The fuel cell does not generate
energy through burning; rather, it is based on an electrochemical process.
There are little or no harmful emissions. The only release is clean water. In
fact, the water is so pure that visitors to Vancouver's Ballard Power
Systems, the leader in the development of the proton exchange membrane fuel
cell (PEMFC), drank clear water emitted from the tailpipes of buses powered
by a Ballard fuel cell. The fuel cell is twice as efficient in converting fuel to energy through a
chemical process than combustion. Hydrogen, the simplest element consisting
of one proton and one electron, is plentiful and is exceptionally clean as a
fuel. Hydrogen makes up 90 percent of the composition of the universe and is
the third most abundant element on the earth's surface. Such a wealth of fuel
would provide an almost unlimited pool of energy at relatively low cost. But
there is a price to pay. The fuel cell
core (or 'stack'), which converts oxygen and hydrogen to electricity, is
expensive to build. more info:www.good-battery.com
About the Author
if you have any questions,pls feel free to contact www.good-battery.com
oxygen to produce electric power, heat and water. In many ways, the fuel cell
resembles a battery. Rather than
applying a periodic recharge, a continuous supply of oxygen and hydrogen is
supplied from the outside. Oxygen is drawn from the air and hydrogen is
carried as a fuel in a pressurized container. As alternative fuel, methanol,
propane, butane and natural gas can be used. The fuel cell does not generate
energy through burning; rather, it is based on an electrochemical process.
There are little or no harmful emissions. The only release is clean water. In
fact, the water is so pure that visitors to Vancouver's Ballard Power
Systems, the leader in the development of the proton exchange membrane fuel
cell (PEMFC), drank clear water emitted from the tailpipes of buses powered
by a Ballard fuel cell. The fuel cell is twice as efficient in converting fuel to energy through a
chemical process than combustion. Hydrogen, the simplest element consisting
of one proton and one electron, is plentiful and is exceptionally clean as a
fuel. Hydrogen makes up 90 percent of the composition of the universe and is
the third most abundant element on the earth's surface. Such a wealth of fuel
would provide an almost unlimited pool of energy at relatively low cost. But
there is a price to pay. The fuel cell
core (or 'stack'), which converts oxygen and hydrogen to electricity, is
expensive to build. more info:www.good-battery.com
About the Author
if you have any questions,pls feel free to contact www.good-battery.com
A Closer Look at the GM HydroGen4 by Evander Klum
General Motors Corporation aims to showcase its fourth generation fuel cell technology in Europe with the launch of the HydroGen4 model, a revised version of Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell that is bound for the European market.
"Fuel cell propulsion with hydrogen as a fuel highlights General Motors' commitment to take the car out of the environmental debate and reduce our dependency on oil. HydroGen4 is powered by GM's most advanced fuel cell system and marks an important milestone on the road toward completely emission-free, competitive fuel cell technology in the automobile. The HydroGen4 features considerable progress in everyday usability, dynamics and system durability compared to its predecessor." says Carl-Peter Forster, President of GM Europe.
Mr. Forster added: "The Fuel Cell Activities (FCA) research division with over 600 employees is currently being integrated into regular series development, giving it key importance within the concern. We are thus preparing for the series production of fuel cell technology."
The GM HydroGen4 is scheduled to be unveiled at the upcoming 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt this September. HydroGen4 is equipped with a fuel cell stack that consists of 440 series-connected cells. Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy without combustion through the process of electro-chemical reaction, which combines hydrogen and oxygen to form water and produce electricity as well. This power line can produce 93 kW of electrical output, combined with the 73 kW/100 hp coming from an electric motor. This powertrain package allows the GM HydroGen4 to sprint from a stand still up to 62 miles per hour in about 12 seconds with an electronically limited maximum speed of approximately 100 mph.
In addition, the GM HydroGen4 also comes with 700-bar high-pressure tanks made from carbon fiber composite material. These tanks can hold up to 4.2 kg of compressed hydrogen fuel, providing the GM HydroGen4 with 199 miles (320 km) of driving range. GM has been working with two versions of this mode: one powered by liquid hydrogen and the other with compressed hydrogen. But GM is now only focusing on the compressed hydrogen version. Dr. Udo Winter, Director, GME Fuel Cell Activities explains: "The main reason for this is the unavoidable 'boil off' that occurs with liquid hydrogen. Even with optimum insulation, the tank's contents warm up slowly, so that the liquid hydrogen vaporizes and the pressure in the tank increases. After a few days, gaseous hydrogen has to be released from the parked vehicle, leading to a loss in fuel. There are no such vapor losses ("boil off") with compressed gas, however."
Moreover, the new fuel cell propulsion system of the GM HydroGen4 comes with a nickel-metal-hydride buffer battery. This helps the entire powertrain system to gain more power output and enables regenerative braking. This feature allows the battery to be recharged using the energy produced when braking.
Other features of the GM HydroGen4 include driver and passenger frontal air bags, roof rail side-impact air bags, ABS, traction control, StabiliTrak (ESP), just to name the few. GM will reveal other features of this model at the IAA Frankfurt. GM will unveil other production and concept models in Frankfurt like the Saab Turbo X equipped with Saab clutch discs.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
"Fuel cell propulsion with hydrogen as a fuel highlights General Motors' commitment to take the car out of the environmental debate and reduce our dependency on oil. HydroGen4 is powered by GM's most advanced fuel cell system and marks an important milestone on the road toward completely emission-free, competitive fuel cell technology in the automobile. The HydroGen4 features considerable progress in everyday usability, dynamics and system durability compared to its predecessor." says Carl-Peter Forster, President of GM Europe.
Mr. Forster added: "The Fuel Cell Activities (FCA) research division with over 600 employees is currently being integrated into regular series development, giving it key importance within the concern. We are thus preparing for the series production of fuel cell technology."
The GM HydroGen4 is scheduled to be unveiled at the upcoming 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt this September. HydroGen4 is equipped with a fuel cell stack that consists of 440 series-connected cells. Fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy without combustion through the process of electro-chemical reaction, which combines hydrogen and oxygen to form water and produce electricity as well. This power line can produce 93 kW of electrical output, combined with the 73 kW/100 hp coming from an electric motor. This powertrain package allows the GM HydroGen4 to sprint from a stand still up to 62 miles per hour in about 12 seconds with an electronically limited maximum speed of approximately 100 mph.
In addition, the GM HydroGen4 also comes with 700-bar high-pressure tanks made from carbon fiber composite material. These tanks can hold up to 4.2 kg of compressed hydrogen fuel, providing the GM HydroGen4 with 199 miles (320 km) of driving range. GM has been working with two versions of this mode: one powered by liquid hydrogen and the other with compressed hydrogen. But GM is now only focusing on the compressed hydrogen version. Dr. Udo Winter, Director, GME Fuel Cell Activities explains: "The main reason for this is the unavoidable 'boil off' that occurs with liquid hydrogen. Even with optimum insulation, the tank's contents warm up slowly, so that the liquid hydrogen vaporizes and the pressure in the tank increases. After a few days, gaseous hydrogen has to be released from the parked vehicle, leading to a loss in fuel. There are no such vapor losses ("boil off") with compressed gas, however."
Moreover, the new fuel cell propulsion system of the GM HydroGen4 comes with a nickel-metal-hydride buffer battery. This helps the entire powertrain system to gain more power output and enables regenerative braking. This feature allows the battery to be recharged using the energy produced when braking.
Other features of the GM HydroGen4 include driver and passenger frontal air bags, roof rail side-impact air bags, ABS, traction control, StabiliTrak (ESP), just to name the few. GM will reveal other features of this model at the IAA Frankfurt. GM will unveil other production and concept models in Frankfurt like the Saab Turbo X equipped with Saab clutch discs.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
Impact of High Fuel Prices on RV Travel by Bob Jent
Fuel cell is a term heard in the media and it seems to have something to do with running our cars and heating our homes. Hope that the fuel cell can be one of the solutions to our energy needs is talked about but it's a bit unclear as to what exactly a fuel cell is, how it works and what exactly it can and will do.
In simple terms a fuel cell can be thought of as a battery. A battery converts chemicals inside it into electricity and eventually goes dead. Batteries have all of their chemicals stored inside. Fuel cells have chemicals constantly flowing into them so they never go dead. The majority of fuel cells in use today use hydrogen and oxygen as the chemicals.
The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity with water and heat as the by product. The fuel conversion does not involve combustion; it's an electrochemical process so it is clean, quiet and two to three times more efficient than combustion.
Our high school chemistry classes taught us that hydrogen is the most plentiful gas in the universe. Hydrogen is similar to natural gas in that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. If you are thinking that natural gas does have an odor remember that something is added to the natural gas in processing to produce an odor so that we know when there is a leak. Hydrogen is the lightest chemical element but it has the highest energy content per unit of weight of all the fuels.
Hydrogen is always combined with other elements such as oxygen and carbon, never found alone. Oil and natural gas are a mix of primarily hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. The hydrogen is extracted from the hydrogen compound to be used to run the fuel cells. Oil companies, like Western Pipeline Corporation, extract natural gas which is then used to produce hydrogen through steam reforming.
There is a lot of fear regarding hydrogen as a fuel source because of safety issues. It has high energy content and must be handled properly. Fear is largely based on the fact that hydrogen is an unknown quantity. People remember the Hindenburg blowing up in 1937 and the threat of the hydrogen bomb. Hydrogen has been used in the chemical, food and electronics industries with an excellent safety track record for years.
Fuel cells provide a direct current that can be used to power almost any type of motor, lights and other types of electrical devices. Automakers are working to commercialize a fuel cell car with expectations of commercial availability by 2010. President Bush announced a $1.2 billion Hydrogen Fuel Initiative in 2003 funded to develop the technology needed for commercially viable hydrogen-powered fuel cells to power cars, trucks, homes and businesses. Fuel cells are used today as stationary generators in hospitals, utility power plants and schools. They are also used in telecommunications, wastewater treatment plants and landfills.
Fuel cells offer a very attractive alternative to oil dependency and their use will continue to grow as the cost of production declines.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of {a href=" http://article.wn.com/view/2007/07/19/Western_Pipeline_Begins_Fort_Worth_Basin_Drilling_Program/"}Western Pipeline Corporation.{a href=" http://article.wn.com/view/2007/07/19/Western_Pipeline_Begins_Fort_Worth_Basin_Drilling_Program/"} Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
In simple terms a fuel cell can be thought of as a battery. A battery converts chemicals inside it into electricity and eventually goes dead. Batteries have all of their chemicals stored inside. Fuel cells have chemicals constantly flowing into them so they never go dead. The majority of fuel cells in use today use hydrogen and oxygen as the chemicals.
The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity with water and heat as the by product. The fuel conversion does not involve combustion; it's an electrochemical process so it is clean, quiet and two to three times more efficient than combustion.
Our high school chemistry classes taught us that hydrogen is the most plentiful gas in the universe. Hydrogen is similar to natural gas in that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. If you are thinking that natural gas does have an odor remember that something is added to the natural gas in processing to produce an odor so that we know when there is a leak. Hydrogen is the lightest chemical element but it has the highest energy content per unit of weight of all the fuels.
Hydrogen is always combined with other elements such as oxygen and carbon, never found alone. Oil and natural gas are a mix of primarily hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. The hydrogen is extracted from the hydrogen compound to be used to run the fuel cells. Oil companies, like Western Pipeline Corporation, extract natural gas which is then used to produce hydrogen through steam reforming.
There is a lot of fear regarding hydrogen as a fuel source because of safety issues. It has high energy content and must be handled properly. Fear is largely based on the fact that hydrogen is an unknown quantity. People remember the Hindenburg blowing up in 1937 and the threat of the hydrogen bomb. Hydrogen has been used in the chemical, food and electronics industries with an excellent safety track record for years.
Fuel cells provide a direct current that can be used to power almost any type of motor, lights and other types of electrical devices. Automakers are working to commercialize a fuel cell car with expectations of commercial availability by 2010. President Bush announced a $1.2 billion Hydrogen Fuel Initiative in 2003 funded to develop the technology needed for commercially viable hydrogen-powered fuel cells to power cars, trucks, homes and businesses. Fuel cells are used today as stationary generators in hospitals, utility power plants and schools. They are also used in telecommunications, wastewater treatment plants and landfills.
Fuel cells offer a very attractive alternative to oil dependency and their use will continue to grow as the cost of production declines.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of {a href=" http://article.wn.com/view/2007/07/19/Western_Pipeline_Begins_Fort_Worth_Basin_Drilling_Program/"}Western Pipeline Corporation.{a href=" http://article.wn.com/view/2007/07/19/Western_Pipeline_Begins_Fort_Worth_Basin_Drilling_Program/"} Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
Environmental and Health Aspects of Hydrogen Cars by Bob Jent
Hydrogen is the only fuel that is low to zero emission for vehicles. The only by-product of these cars is water vapor. Natural gas and coal are used to produce hydrogen today but in the future hydrogen will come almost entirely from renewable resources. There is a scarcity of renewable resource generation today and its high cost make natural gas from companies like Western Pipeline Corporation, the solution for hydrogen production in the near future.
Potential renewable energy resources to produce hydrogen are: wind, hydro, solar, geothermal and biomass. Hydrogen is generated by wind and solar generated electricity produced by electrolysis. If hydrogen used in hydrogen cars is created from water the energy produced makes a closed loop because the waste product is also water. Low emission of air pollutants is a key benefit of hydrogen fuel cell usage resulting in improved respiratory health particularly in urban areas that have poor air quality. Seniors and children are especially vulnerable. Air pollution can trigger attacks in people who suffer from asthma. Symptoms can increase for anyone with chronic lung, heart or circulatory conditions.
A detailed study from Stanford University revealed that up to 6,400 lives could be saved each year if all U.S. current vehicles were converted to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. When hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels it also produces greenhouse gases in carbon dioxide. However, gasoline combustion engines also produce carbon monoxide, smog-inducing nitrogen oxides and ozone and create microscopic soot particles. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that fossil-fuel automobiles emit 1 ½ billion tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year. If we were to move completely to hydrogen based automobiles we would eliminate over 95% of these greenhouse gases.
There would also be reduced crop damage because the use of fuel cells will reduce acid rain and ground-level ozone concentrations. Noise pollution will be reduced because fuel cells run quietly. Groundwater contamination will be reduced because fuel cells do not use motor oil and leaks from gasoline storage tanks may also be reduced.
There is worldwide interest in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Governments in the United States, Europe and Japan are committing over $7 billion in the next few years to fuel cell technology development. Europe and Japan will be earlier adopters of this technology than the United States because they can experience more immediate benefits environmentally and economically. The reduction of greenhouse gases and air pollution by nations around the world through the use of hydrogen cars will contribute to improved health for everyone.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
Potential renewable energy resources to produce hydrogen are: wind, hydro, solar, geothermal and biomass. Hydrogen is generated by wind and solar generated electricity produced by electrolysis. If hydrogen used in hydrogen cars is created from water the energy produced makes a closed loop because the waste product is also water. Low emission of air pollutants is a key benefit of hydrogen fuel cell usage resulting in improved respiratory health particularly in urban areas that have poor air quality. Seniors and children are especially vulnerable. Air pollution can trigger attacks in people who suffer from asthma. Symptoms can increase for anyone with chronic lung, heart or circulatory conditions.
A detailed study from Stanford University revealed that up to 6,400 lives could be saved each year if all U.S. current vehicles were converted to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. When hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels it also produces greenhouse gases in carbon dioxide. However, gasoline combustion engines also produce carbon monoxide, smog-inducing nitrogen oxides and ozone and create microscopic soot particles. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that fossil-fuel automobiles emit 1 ½ billion tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year. If we were to move completely to hydrogen based automobiles we would eliminate over 95% of these greenhouse gases.
There would also be reduced crop damage because the use of fuel cells will reduce acid rain and ground-level ozone concentrations. Noise pollution will be reduced because fuel cells run quietly. Groundwater contamination will be reduced because fuel cells do not use motor oil and leaks from gasoline storage tanks may also be reduced.
There is worldwide interest in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Governments in the United States, Europe and Japan are committing over $7 billion in the next few years to fuel cell technology development. Europe and Japan will be earlier adopters of this technology than the United States because they can experience more immediate benefits environmentally and economically. The reduction of greenhouse gases and air pollution by nations around the world through the use of hydrogen cars will contribute to improved health for everyone.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
Availability and Affordability of Hydrogen for Cars by Bob Jent
Hydrogen technology for use in hydrogen cars in the United States is expected to be safe and available by 2010. Many consumers wonder where they will buy the hydrogen. It will be available at service stations like we use today for our gasoline. It will take time before it is as widely available as gasoline but diesel fuel today is only available in 5000 locations throughout the United States and it works.
There is a national hydrogen infrastructure today serving the industrial market. Naturally, making hydrogen available to consumers will involve developing new production and delivery systems. Studies have been done to determine what it would cost to build a national hydrogen distribution system and the general consensus is about $15 billion. However, these facilities don't have to be built at once. They can be developed over time. Hydrogen fueling pumps and a national hydrogen pipeline are being discussed. Home fuel cell stations are also being developed.
Hydrogen cars are much more efficient than gasoline cars. Fuel cell vehicles are 50 per cent efficient compared to 15 per cent for gasoline engines. The per mile costs for fuel cell vehicles are the key issue to focus on as hydrogen may be more expensive by weight or volume than gasoline.
The Department of Energy has a hydrogen cost target of $2.50/gallon of gasoline on an energy equivalent basis by 2010. H2Gen, a manufacturer of hydrogen generators, was recently awarded a "DOE Hydrogen Program R+D Award for its development of hydrogen generation technology that is expected to meet the hydrogen cost target. H2Gens hydrogen generator converts natural gas extracted by companies like, Western Pipeline Corporation, to hydrogen at the point of use. This eliminates the high cost associated with transporting hydrogen. It also eliminates the need for installing a hydrogen pipeline system. H2Gen was awarded a contract by DOE to scale up their generator and to reduce equipment costs so that hydrogen can be produced at a gas station resulting in a cost per mile for fuel cell vehicles at par with gasoline vehicles.
Existing hydrogen fueling stations look like regular service stations. The pumps have digital displays that show volume, price and total cost like regular pumps. The nozzle goes in the same place in would in a gas fueled car. There is a cable which measures pressure attached to a receptacle on the bumper which is the only difference.
Improved technologies will reduce the cost of hydrogen as well as the cost of hydrogen vehicles which offer a clean, sustainable alternative to gasoline and relief from our dependence on oil.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
There is a national hydrogen infrastructure today serving the industrial market. Naturally, making hydrogen available to consumers will involve developing new production and delivery systems. Studies have been done to determine what it would cost to build a national hydrogen distribution system and the general consensus is about $15 billion. However, these facilities don't have to be built at once. They can be developed over time. Hydrogen fueling pumps and a national hydrogen pipeline are being discussed. Home fuel cell stations are also being developed.
Hydrogen cars are much more efficient than gasoline cars. Fuel cell vehicles are 50 per cent efficient compared to 15 per cent for gasoline engines. The per mile costs for fuel cell vehicles are the key issue to focus on as hydrogen may be more expensive by weight or volume than gasoline.
The Department of Energy has a hydrogen cost target of $2.50/gallon of gasoline on an energy equivalent basis by 2010. H2Gen, a manufacturer of hydrogen generators, was recently awarded a "DOE Hydrogen Program R+D Award for its development of hydrogen generation technology that is expected to meet the hydrogen cost target. H2Gens hydrogen generator converts natural gas extracted by companies like, Western Pipeline Corporation, to hydrogen at the point of use. This eliminates the high cost associated with transporting hydrogen. It also eliminates the need for installing a hydrogen pipeline system. H2Gen was awarded a contract by DOE to scale up their generator and to reduce equipment costs so that hydrogen can be produced at a gas station resulting in a cost per mile for fuel cell vehicles at par with gasoline vehicles.
Existing hydrogen fueling stations look like regular service stations. The pumps have digital displays that show volume, price and total cost like regular pumps. The nozzle goes in the same place in would in a gas fueled car. There is a cable which measures pressure attached to a receptacle on the bumper which is the only difference.
Improved technologies will reduce the cost of hydrogen as well as the cost of hydrogen vehicles which offer a clean, sustainable alternative to gasoline and relief from our dependence on oil.
About the Author
Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation. Western Pipeline Corp specializes in identifying, acquiring and developing existing, producing reserves on behalf of its individual clients.
What's mean battery Types of fuel AFC system? by mary lv
What's mean battery Types of fuel AFC system? What's mean battery Types of fuel AFC system?The battery AFC has received renewed interest because of low operating costs. Although larger in physical size than the PEMFC system, the alkaline fuel cell has the potential of lower manufacturing and operating costs. The water management is simpler, no compressor is usually needed, and the hardware is cheaper. Whereas the separator for the PEMFC stack costs between $800 and $1,100US per square meter; the equivalent of the alkaline system is almost negligible. (In comparison, the separator of a lead acid battery is $5 per square meter.) As a negative, the alkaline fuel cell needs pure oxygen and hydrogen to operate. The amount of carbon dioxide in the air can poison the alkaline fuel cell. Higher stack temperatures add to the manufacturing cost because they require specialized and exotic materials. Heat also presents a challenge for longevity and reliability because of increased material oxidation and stress. High temperatures, however, can be utilized for co-generation by running steam generators. This improves the overall efficiency of this fuel cell system. more info:www.good-batery.com
About the Author
if you have any questions,pls feel free to contact www.good-battery.com
About the Author
if you have any questions,pls feel free to contact www.good-battery.com
What's mean Types of fuel cells-SOFC system? by mary lv
What's mean Types of fuel cells-SOFC system? What's mean Types of batttery fuel cells-SOFC system?The SOFC is best suited for
stationary applications. The system requires high operating temperatures
(about 1000°C). Newer systems are being developed which can run at about 700
°C. A significant advantage of the SOFC is its leniency on fuel. Due to the high
operating temperature, hydrogen is produced through a catalytic reforming
process. This eliminates the need for an external reformer to generate
hydrogen. Carbon monoxide, a contaminant in the PEMFC system, is a fuel for
the SOFC. In addition, the SOFC system offers a fuel efficiency of 60
percent, one of the highest among fuel cells. The 60 percent efficiency is
achieved with co-generation, meaning that the heat is utilized. Higher stack temperatures add to the manufacturing cost because they require
specialized and exotic materials. Heat also presents a challenge for
longevity and reliability because of increased material oxidation and stress.
High temperatures, however, can be utilized for co-generation by running
steam generators. This improves the overall efficiency of this fuel
href="http://www.good-battery.com">cell system. more info:www.good-battery.com
About the Author
if you have any questions,pls feel free to contact www.good-battery.com
stationary applications. The system requires high operating temperatures
(about 1000°C). Newer systems are being developed which can run at about 700
°C. A significant advantage of the SOFC is its leniency on fuel. Due to the high
operating temperature, hydrogen is produced through a catalytic reforming
process. This eliminates the need for an external reformer to generate
hydrogen. Carbon monoxide, a contaminant in the PEMFC system, is a fuel for
the SOFC. In addition, the SOFC system offers a fuel efficiency of 60
percent, one of the highest among fuel cells. The 60 percent efficiency is
achieved with co-generation, meaning that the heat is utilized. Higher stack temperatures add to the manufacturing cost because they require
specialized and exotic materials. Heat also presents a challenge for
longevity and reliability because of increased material oxidation and stress.
High temperatures, however, can be utilized for co-generation by running
steam generators. This improves the overall efficiency of this fuel
href="http://www.good-battery.com">cell system. more info:www.good-battery.com
About the Author
if you have any questions,pls feel free to contact www.good-battery.com
What's mean Types of fuel cells -PEMFC system (1)? by mary lv
What's mean Types of fuel cells -PEMFC system (1)? What's mean Types of batteryfuel cells -PEMFC system (1)?The limitations of the
PEMFC system are high manufacturing costs and complex water management
issues. The stack contains hydrogen, oxygen and water. If dry, the input
resistance is high and water must be added to get the system going. Too much
water causes flooding. The PEMFC has a limited temperature range. Freezing water can damage the
stack. Heating elements are needed to keep the fuel cell within an acceptable
temperature range. The warm-up is slow and the performance is poor when cold.
Heat is also a concern if the temperature rises too high. The PEMFC requires heavy accessories. Operating compressors, pumps and other
apparatus consumes 30 percent of the energy generated. The PEMFC stack has an
estimated service life of 4000 hours if operated in a vehicle. The relatively
short life span is caused by intermittent operation. Start and stop
conditions induce drying and wetting, which contribute to membrane stress. If
run continuously, the stationary stack is good for about 40,000 hours. The
replacement of the stack is a major expense. more info:www.good-battery.com
About the Author
if you have any questions,pls feel free to contact www.good-battery.com
PEMFC system are high manufacturing costs and complex water management
issues. The stack contains hydrogen, oxygen and water. If dry, the input
resistance is high and water must be added to get the system going. Too much
water causes flooding. The PEMFC has a limited temperature range. Freezing water can damage the
stack. Heating elements are needed to keep the fuel cell within an acceptable
temperature range. The warm-up is slow and the performance is poor when cold.
Heat is also a concern if the temperature rises too high. The PEMFC requires heavy accessories. Operating compressors, pumps and other
apparatus consumes 30 percent of the energy generated. The PEMFC stack has an
estimated service life of 4000 hours if operated in a vehicle. The relatively
short life span is caused by intermittent operation. Start and stop
conditions induce drying and wetting, which contribute to membrane stress. If
run continuously, the stationary stack is good for about 40,000 hours. The
replacement of the stack is a major expense. more info:www.good-battery.com
About the Author
if you have any questions,pls feel free to contact www.good-battery.com
What's mean Types of fuel cells -PEMFC system ? by mary lv
What's mean Types of fuel cells -PEMFC system ? What's mean batteryTypes of fuel cells -PEMFC system ?Several variations of fuel cell systems have emerged. The most common are the previously mentioned and most widely developed PEMFC systems using a polymer electrolyte. This system is aimed at vehicles and portable electronics. Several developers are also targeting stationary applications. The alkaline system, which uses a liquid electrolyte, is the preferred fuel cell for aerospace applications, including the space shuttle. Molten carbonate, phosphoric acid and solid oxide fuel cells are reserved for stationary applications, such as power generating plants for electric utilities. Among these stationary systems, the solid oxide fuel cell system is the least developed but has received renewed attention due to breakthroughs in cell material and stack designs. The PEMFC system allows compact designs and achieves a high energy to weight ratio. Another advantage is a quick start-up when hydrogen is applied. The stack runs at a low temperature of about 80°C (176°F). The efficiency is about 50 percent (in comparison, the internal compaction motor has an efficiency of about 15 percent). more info:www.good-battery.com
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if you have any questions,pls feel free to contact www.good-battery.com
About the Author
if you have any questions,pls feel free to contact www.good-battery.com
Convert Your Car To Run On Water - Save Money, Save Gas! by Alexandre Sol
Fox News recently broadcasted an interesting and very important video report. A savvy automobile owner has come up with a very simple yet incredibly efficient way of boosting his old car's gas mileage by up to 100% - that means several thousands of dollars economy every year.
The creator claims that his developed invention converts water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). Also called Brown's gas or Hydroxy burns better than regular gas at our fuel pumps and provides more energy. This process is often referred to as Hydrogen Fuel Cell conversion.
Gas prices are on constant rise and the fuel economy question is starting to get very serious. More hybrid cars are sold all over the world, concepts of electric cars and Hydrogen fuel cell cars are developed in almost any country and finally there is a way for you to add a little something to fuel efficient revolution.
Car owners seem to forget or maybe ignore the fact that they could get better gas mileage simply by changing the way they drive. You do not need to buy an ugly and slow prototype in order to save on gas. You could increase gas mileage of your V8 truck as well! To get better gas mileage you should follow these simple rules;
* Accelerate gently. This will use less gas.
* Keep your distance - every time you stop you will have to accelerate.
* Take your car to a mechanic; simple air filter change or spark plugs replacement could greatly increase gas mileage
* Drive slower. Going over 120kph will use up much more gas.
* Change gears as soon as possible - low gear uses up to 30% more fuel than needed.
Our cars' engines are designed in such poor way that they only burn about 20% of the fuel - the other 80% is wasted in heat and unburned gas (pollution). When converted to money at 3$ a gallon - per every gallon your car actually uses only 60 cents, and 2.40$ is completely wasted. When you convert your car to run on water, you create a gas which helps burning the fuel in a better proportion.
Instructions on how to convert car to run on water are also available for sale on the Internet. There have been many skeptical people that do not believe in the efficiency of the system - but there doubts always vanish after finding out that the instructions come with 2 month full satisfaction money back guarantee.
Is it not only the "saving money" part that attracts people - when you convert your car to run on water you also increase your car's engine longevity and you greatly decrease the pollution. The system allows you to burn gas more efficiently - which decreases the noise of the engine and the wear and tear of the motor's parts.
The system is composed by simple parts that are basically bolted on the engine. It could be done at almost no cost, by anyone and to any car. The system is completely untraceable when taken off of the engine.
Just imagine yourself buying half the gas you are buying now! Wouldn't it be nice to have an extra couple of thousand of dollars for Christmas presents? For a vacation? For a down payment on a new car?
I hope this article gave you enough of useful information to consider converting your car to run on water.
About the Author
Find out How you could pay only 1$ per gallon of gas! Thousands of people chose this guide to help them convert their car to run on water!
The creator claims that his developed invention converts water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). Also called Brown's gas or Hydroxy burns better than regular gas at our fuel pumps and provides more energy. This process is often referred to as Hydrogen Fuel Cell conversion.
Gas prices are on constant rise and the fuel economy question is starting to get very serious. More hybrid cars are sold all over the world, concepts of electric cars and Hydrogen fuel cell cars are developed in almost any country and finally there is a way for you to add a little something to fuel efficient revolution.
Car owners seem to forget or maybe ignore the fact that they could get better gas mileage simply by changing the way they drive. You do not need to buy an ugly and slow prototype in order to save on gas. You could increase gas mileage of your V8 truck as well! To get better gas mileage you should follow these simple rules;
* Accelerate gently. This will use less gas.
* Keep your distance - every time you stop you will have to accelerate.
* Take your car to a mechanic; simple air filter change or spark plugs replacement could greatly increase gas mileage
* Drive slower. Going over 120kph will use up much more gas.
* Change gears as soon as possible - low gear uses up to 30% more fuel than needed.
Our cars' engines are designed in such poor way that they only burn about 20% of the fuel - the other 80% is wasted in heat and unburned gas (pollution). When converted to money at 3$ a gallon - per every gallon your car actually uses only 60 cents, and 2.40$ is completely wasted. When you convert your car to run on water, you create a gas which helps burning the fuel in a better proportion.
Instructions on how to convert car to run on water are also available for sale on the Internet. There have been many skeptical people that do not believe in the efficiency of the system - but there doubts always vanish after finding out that the instructions come with 2 month full satisfaction money back guarantee.
Is it not only the "saving money" part that attracts people - when you convert your car to run on water you also increase your car's engine longevity and you greatly decrease the pollution. The system allows you to burn gas more efficiently - which decreases the noise of the engine and the wear and tear of the motor's parts.
The system is composed by simple parts that are basically bolted on the engine. It could be done at almost no cost, by anyone and to any car. The system is completely untraceable when taken off of the engine.
Just imagine yourself buying half the gas you are buying now! Wouldn't it be nice to have an extra couple of thousand of dollars for Christmas presents? For a vacation? For a down payment on a new car?
I hope this article gave you enough of useful information to consider converting your car to run on water.
About the Author
Find out How you could pay only 1$ per gallon of gas! Thousands of people chose this guide to help them convert their car to run on water!
On the Horizon: Future Fuels by Levi Quinn
Between elevated gasoline prices (which show every indication of staying that way) and the current concern about the environmental impacts of vehicle emissions, you've probably been hearing a lot of discussion about the use of "alternative fuels." It sounds like a good idea, you think...but do you know what alternative fuels are actually in the running? Here's the shortlist of the alternative fuels to keep an eye on, and a major advantage and disadvantage for each:
Electric
Electricity is a source of power that we already produce, store, and use. To power an electric vehicle (EV), electricity is produced by a power plant or other standard means and is then stored in the battery that will operate the vehicle. Pro: A vehicle powered solely by electricity produces no emissions. Con: In current models, batteries need to be recharged frequently.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a fuel that is made from vegetable oils and animal fats through a chemical process called esterification. When the oils and fats are mixed with alcohol, their molecules break down into methylesters, which are then used as fuel, and a waste product of glycerin. It can be used in some diesel vehicles with very little, if any, modification to the existing engine. Pro: Potential fuel sources vary from grain crops to used cooking grease. Con: Biodiesel thickens and freezes at low temperatures.
Ethanol
Ethanol is a type of alcohol that is created through the fermentation of substances with high starch or sugar contents, such as corn or sugar cane. In this process, yeast bacteria consume the sugars and starches and produce carbon dioxide and ethanol as by-products. The use of chemical catalysts can be used to make the process faster and more productive. Pro: Ethanol can be produced from renewable agricultural resources. Con: Contains less energy than the same amount of gasoline.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuels cells harness the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The bonding of hydrogen and oxygen atoms results in two products: energy, which is then stored as power in the cell, and--you guessed it: water. Pro: Hydrogen engines are typically more efficient than gasoline engines. Con: Current vehicle designs can only store enough hydrogen for short-range travel.
At first, you'll most likely see these fuels used in combination with current gasoline-engine technology. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) utilize both a standard gasoline engine and a rechargeable battery, and are already offered by several car manufacturers. Hybrid vehicles with a gasoline engine and a hydrogen fuel cell are currently in development, and are estimated to hit the market in 2008 to 2009. Vehicles that are designed or modified to run on mixtures of gasoline and biodiesel or ethanol show promise, and are already in use.
While some types of alternative-fuel vehicles aren't yet readily available to the public, keep your eyes open--a combination of research, public encouragement, and lively market competition brings that day ever closer. Honda and Toyota, the first automotive manufacturers to market HEVs in the United States, have already been joined by a handful of others...and the rest are likely to follow suit.
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Electric
Electricity is a source of power that we already produce, store, and use. To power an electric vehicle (EV), electricity is produced by a power plant or other standard means and is then stored in the battery that will operate the vehicle. Pro: A vehicle powered solely by electricity produces no emissions. Con: In current models, batteries need to be recharged frequently.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a fuel that is made from vegetable oils and animal fats through a chemical process called esterification. When the oils and fats are mixed with alcohol, their molecules break down into methylesters, which are then used as fuel, and a waste product of glycerin. It can be used in some diesel vehicles with very little, if any, modification to the existing engine. Pro: Potential fuel sources vary from grain crops to used cooking grease. Con: Biodiesel thickens and freezes at low temperatures.
Ethanol
Ethanol is a type of alcohol that is created through the fermentation of substances with high starch or sugar contents, such as corn or sugar cane. In this process, yeast bacteria consume the sugars and starches and produce carbon dioxide and ethanol as by-products. The use of chemical catalysts can be used to make the process faster and more productive. Pro: Ethanol can be produced from renewable agricultural resources. Con: Contains less energy than the same amount of gasoline.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuels cells harness the electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The bonding of hydrogen and oxygen atoms results in two products: energy, which is then stored as power in the cell, and--you guessed it: water. Pro: Hydrogen engines are typically more efficient than gasoline engines. Con: Current vehicle designs can only store enough hydrogen for short-range travel.
At first, you'll most likely see these fuels used in combination with current gasoline-engine technology. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) utilize both a standard gasoline engine and a rechargeable battery, and are already offered by several car manufacturers. Hybrid vehicles with a gasoline engine and a hydrogen fuel cell are currently in development, and are estimated to hit the market in 2008 to 2009. Vehicles that are designed or modified to run on mixtures of gasoline and biodiesel or ethanol show promise, and are already in use.
While some types of alternative-fuel vehicles aren't yet readily available to the public, keep your eyes open--a combination of research, public encouragement, and lively market competition brings that day ever closer. Honda and Toyota, the first automotive manufacturers to market HEVs in the United States, have already been joined by a handful of others...and the rest are likely to follow suit.
About the Author
Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips and receive free quotes for cheap auto insurance rates from respected insurance companies.
Honda to Start Leasing its Zero-Emission FCX Clarity by Anthony Fontanelle
With the ever increasing prices of fuel not to mention its harmful impact to the environment, it is invigorating to note that there is an automaker like Honda that has taken the initiative to provide us with better alternatives such as the state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel-cell car which will be released in California next year.
The Japanese automaker will start by leasing zero-emissions FCX Clarity at $600 per month. The new Honda fuel-cell car will only emit water. Honda have not yet announced any details on the technology involved in the Clarity and have not divulged the approaches they will use when it comes to dealing with the number of technical obstacles that goes with hydrogen engines.
Aside from Honda, the Scientific American article on hydrogen engine technology has mentioned Ford and BMW as having plans also of offering cars powered by hydrogen engines in the coming future. But of course, a hydrogen fueled vehicle is not without problems. The technology alone is a problem by itself and with Honda finally releasing its Clarity can be considered a breakthrough.
And speaking of problems, the amount of space to house the hydrogen fuel is one of the predicaments faced by automakers that is aside from the storage needed for hydrogen gas in the automobile, the speed at which hydrogen refills can be added to the engine, the distance a hydrogen fill-up will allow a driver to travel, and the temperature at which the hydrogen is both stored and used in the engine. Each of these areas is a challenge that scientist are trying to solve.
The development of hydrogen-powered vehicle is a welcomed venture in the US particularly with two-thirds of the more than 20 million barrels of oil in the nation are consumed by cars and trucks. Such effort will definitely help in countering the impact of high fuel prices. Laboratories from Japan to Germany are working to finally perfect the hydrogen engine technology.
Honda has not yet disclosed the number of FCX Clarity that they will offer in their leasing program. The Japanese automaker has not also discussed the cost of each automobile but with the complexities of the said technology it is to be expected that it would cost more than the average vehicle.
More News on Honda… Just this week, Honda Aero Inc. has broke ground on its corporate headquarters and jet-engine plant in Burlington.
Honda Aero is a joint venture developed between GE and Honda with the intention of producing the GE-Honda HF120 engine. This particular engine will be used for very light jet including the Honda aviation-made HondaJet which was produced and tested in Greensboro.
The headquarters and facility of Honda Aero is a property that is adjacent to the Burlington Alamance Country airport. It measures 102,400 square feet of which include the 36,000 square feet of office space, 58, 400 square-foot production plant, and the 8,000 square foot engine test cell.
Honda the producer of high quality Acura alternator will employ around 70 people once the plant begins its operations. For this facility Honda Aero will invest around $27 million in the facility.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
The Japanese automaker will start by leasing zero-emissions FCX Clarity at $600 per month. The new Honda fuel-cell car will only emit water. Honda have not yet announced any details on the technology involved in the Clarity and have not divulged the approaches they will use when it comes to dealing with the number of technical obstacles that goes with hydrogen engines.
Aside from Honda, the Scientific American article on hydrogen engine technology has mentioned Ford and BMW as having plans also of offering cars powered by hydrogen engines in the coming future. But of course, a hydrogen fueled vehicle is not without problems. The technology alone is a problem by itself and with Honda finally releasing its Clarity can be considered a breakthrough.
And speaking of problems, the amount of space to house the hydrogen fuel is one of the predicaments faced by automakers that is aside from the storage needed for hydrogen gas in the automobile, the speed at which hydrogen refills can be added to the engine, the distance a hydrogen fill-up will allow a driver to travel, and the temperature at which the hydrogen is both stored and used in the engine. Each of these areas is a challenge that scientist are trying to solve.
The development of hydrogen-powered vehicle is a welcomed venture in the US particularly with two-thirds of the more than 20 million barrels of oil in the nation are consumed by cars and trucks. Such effort will definitely help in countering the impact of high fuel prices. Laboratories from Japan to Germany are working to finally perfect the hydrogen engine technology.
Honda has not yet disclosed the number of FCX Clarity that they will offer in their leasing program. The Japanese automaker has not also discussed the cost of each automobile but with the complexities of the said technology it is to be expected that it would cost more than the average vehicle.
More News on Honda… Just this week, Honda Aero Inc. has broke ground on its corporate headquarters and jet-engine plant in Burlington.
Honda Aero is a joint venture developed between GE and Honda with the intention of producing the GE-Honda HF120 engine. This particular engine will be used for very light jet including the Honda aviation-made HondaJet which was produced and tested in Greensboro.
The headquarters and facility of Honda Aero is a property that is adjacent to the Burlington Alamance Country airport. It measures 102,400 square feet of which include the 36,000 square feet of office space, 58, 400 square-foot production plant, and the 8,000 square foot engine test cell.
Honda the producer of high quality Acura alternator will employ around 70 people once the plant begins its operations. For this facility Honda Aero will invest around $27 million in the facility.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
New Honda FCX Clarity in Detail by Anthony Fontanelle
At the recent 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show, American Honda unveiled a new variant of their popular FCX fuel cell model. Called the FCX Clarity, this fuel efficient and green Honda model comes with zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered fuel cell powertrain based on the new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform. Honda also announced that limited models of the FCX Clarity will roll out in U.S. markets in the summer of next year.
"The FCX Clarity is a shining symbol of the progress we've made with fuel cell vehicles and of our belief in the promise of this technology. Step by step, with continuous effort, commitment and focus, we are working to overcome obstacles to the mass-market potential of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell automobiles." said Tetsuo Iwamura, American Honda president and CEO.
The hydrogen powertrain components of the new Honda FCX Clarity include a new V Flow platform package. This also includes an ultra-compact lightweight and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack that is 65 percent smaller than the previous Honda FC stack. The new fuel stack is located at center tunnel of the vehicle between the two front seats. Equipped with hydrogen fuel, the V Flow fuel cell stack can produce a power output of 100 kW, much powerful than the previous FC stack. This new fuel cell stack is also 50 percent more output density by volume and 67 percent output density by mass.
The Honda FCX Clarity also combines this V Flow fuel cell stack with a new compact and efficient lithium ion battery pack. In addition, the powertrain components also include a single hydrogen storage tank. These three components are the main sources that provides power the car's electric drive motor. The Honda FCX Clarity is also capable of regenerative braking, which allows the lithium ion battery pack to be recharged to supply additional power to the fuel cell. Overall, the fuel cell powertrain of the Honda FCX Clarity offers a bunch of enhancements compared to the previous FCX model. This include 20 percent increase in fuel economy, 30-percent increase in range, 25 percent improvement in power-to-weight ratio, and 45 percent reduction in the size of the fuel cell powertrain.
The Honda FCX Clarity also comes with a sleek exterior styling with 4-door configuration. Inside, the FCX Clarity is equipped with seat upholstery and door linings made from Honda Bio-Fabric. Other highlights of the Honda FCX Clarity include a navigation system with hydrogen station locations, backup camera, premium audio, climate controlled seats, Bluetooth connectivity, shift-by-wire, and electric power steering (EPS). Watch out for this model in 2008. Meanwhile, Honda should also develop Acura fuel cell models equipped with Acura A/C condensers.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
"The FCX Clarity is a shining symbol of the progress we've made with fuel cell vehicles and of our belief in the promise of this technology. Step by step, with continuous effort, commitment and focus, we are working to overcome obstacles to the mass-market potential of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell automobiles." said Tetsuo Iwamura, American Honda president and CEO.
The hydrogen powertrain components of the new Honda FCX Clarity include a new V Flow platform package. This also includes an ultra-compact lightweight and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack that is 65 percent smaller than the previous Honda FC stack. The new fuel stack is located at center tunnel of the vehicle between the two front seats. Equipped with hydrogen fuel, the V Flow fuel cell stack can produce a power output of 100 kW, much powerful than the previous FC stack. This new fuel cell stack is also 50 percent more output density by volume and 67 percent output density by mass.
The Honda FCX Clarity also combines this V Flow fuel cell stack with a new compact and efficient lithium ion battery pack. In addition, the powertrain components also include a single hydrogen storage tank. These three components are the main sources that provides power the car's electric drive motor. The Honda FCX Clarity is also capable of regenerative braking, which allows the lithium ion battery pack to be recharged to supply additional power to the fuel cell. Overall, the fuel cell powertrain of the Honda FCX Clarity offers a bunch of enhancements compared to the previous FCX model. This include 20 percent increase in fuel economy, 30-percent increase in range, 25 percent improvement in power-to-weight ratio, and 45 percent reduction in the size of the fuel cell powertrain.
The Honda FCX Clarity also comes with a sleek exterior styling with 4-door configuration. Inside, the FCX Clarity is equipped with seat upholstery and door linings made from Honda Bio-Fabric. Other highlights of the Honda FCX Clarity include a navigation system with hydrogen station locations, backup camera, premium audio, climate controlled seats, Bluetooth connectivity, shift-by-wire, and electric power steering (EPS). Watch out for this model in 2008. Meanwhile, Honda should also develop Acura fuel cell models equipped with Acura A/C condensers.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Honda Customers Seeing A Whole New Generation Of Vehicles by Jim Harris
If you have been following what's going on in the news these days, it's easy to see that a lot of great things have been happening for Honda customers. It seems like Honda has been quite busy lately thinking up new ways to introduce some new high volume vehicles. For people who were looking for more fuel efficency, the Honda Fit was introduced to North American not that long ago. This was Honda's way of providing city dwellers with a fuel efficient commuter that also has plenty of cargo space.
With the arrival of the all-new 2008 Accord, there is cause for celebration. If we Look at the all new redesigned vehicle, we see that it is a very practical and unassuming car. For more than three decades, we baby boomers have matured, along with the Honda Accord. This shows us that these latest Hondas prove that maturity can also mean excellence. Equipped with a V6 engine, six-speed manual transmission, and plenty of extras the Accord actually becomes fun to drive.
With the introduction of the all new CR-Z concept car, Honda is pushing the limits on bringing true sport and the latest technology together. This new breed of vejicle is poised to set Honda apart from it's competitors in the Hybrid market. Honda calls the CR-Z a lightweight sports car, indicating that it will have the performance to backup its sporty looks. The interior design of the CR-Z has the look and feel of a Hi-tech and Sporty vehicle, which has been achieved by a very futuristic instrument panel. Honda also designed the interior to seem very airy and spacious by using mesh material on a simple framework.
Next we see the Honda SUT Concept which is a next-generation truck concept that takes a clean slate approach to the light-duty truck segment. It combines a roomy and practical SUV-style interior and a pickup-style cargo bed with traditional Honda strengths. This includes refined styling, superior ergonomics, innovative design and world-class build quality.
The truck market is evolving to meet the changing tastes of a new generation of truck buyers, so the Honda SUT Concept takes this evolution to the next level with higher levels of refinement and sophistication in a sporty and socially responsible package with Honda durability, quality and reliability.
And finally, Honda has recently confirmed it's plans to bring the exciting "green" cars into production. The FCX hydrogen fuel cell car and a lightweight, hybrid sportscar will both be built - with a production version of the FCX making its debut next month. ear And next, based on the FCX concept, the all-new FCV will be marketed to fleet and retail customers in both the U.S. and Japan. The Honda FCV will provide all the creature comforts and safety most expect while the undisclosed specifications of the Honda V Flow fuel cell stack will provide performance equivalent to most modern day sedans while producing zero emissions other than water and heat.
So as you can see, Honda customers have a lot to look forward to as Honda continues to look at the future of vehicle engineering for a whole new generation of drivers.
About the Author
Jim Harris is president of Elite Search Engine Marketing. We can administer a quality SEM campaign for you as we have for Honda Jersey City New Jersey.
With the arrival of the all-new 2008 Accord, there is cause for celebration. If we Look at the all new redesigned vehicle, we see that it is a very practical and unassuming car. For more than three decades, we baby boomers have matured, along with the Honda Accord. This shows us that these latest Hondas prove that maturity can also mean excellence. Equipped with a V6 engine, six-speed manual transmission, and plenty of extras the Accord actually becomes fun to drive.
With the introduction of the all new CR-Z concept car, Honda is pushing the limits on bringing true sport and the latest technology together. This new breed of vejicle is poised to set Honda apart from it's competitors in the Hybrid market. Honda calls the CR-Z a lightweight sports car, indicating that it will have the performance to backup its sporty looks. The interior design of the CR-Z has the look and feel of a Hi-tech and Sporty vehicle, which has been achieved by a very futuristic instrument panel. Honda also designed the interior to seem very airy and spacious by using mesh material on a simple framework.
Next we see the Honda SUT Concept which is a next-generation truck concept that takes a clean slate approach to the light-duty truck segment. It combines a roomy and practical SUV-style interior and a pickup-style cargo bed with traditional Honda strengths. This includes refined styling, superior ergonomics, innovative design and world-class build quality.
The truck market is evolving to meet the changing tastes of a new generation of truck buyers, so the Honda SUT Concept takes this evolution to the next level with higher levels of refinement and sophistication in a sporty and socially responsible package with Honda durability, quality and reliability.
And finally, Honda has recently confirmed it's plans to bring the exciting "green" cars into production. The FCX hydrogen fuel cell car and a lightweight, hybrid sportscar will both be built - with a production version of the FCX making its debut next month. ear And next, based on the FCX concept, the all-new FCV will be marketed to fleet and retail customers in both the U.S. and Japan. The Honda FCV will provide all the creature comforts and safety most expect while the undisclosed specifications of the Honda V Flow fuel cell stack will provide performance equivalent to most modern day sedans while producing zero emissions other than water and heat.
So as you can see, Honda customers have a lot to look forward to as Honda continues to look at the future of vehicle engineering for a whole new generation of drivers.
About the Author
Jim Harris is president of Elite Search Engine Marketing. We can administer a quality SEM campaign for you as we have for Honda Jersey City New Jersey.
The Seal and Soaring Greenhouse Gas Amounts by Jason Witt
When you receive the Seal you begin to care for the earth and your environment. You want to replenish the earth, not destroy it. So you heed the warnings of scientists who show some climate change is happening.
You may not agree with everything about the consensus on global warning. After all, it is a consensus and not proven. But sadly once climate change is "proven" it is too late. The changes have hurt you and everyone else.
Some climate change is already proven to have happened. Regardless of what is causing it global warming is happening. And if you think humans are not contributing to it, think again.
When was the last time you took a serious look at your community? Think about all those automobiles and factories. And in rural areas all the fertilizing of fields and even great numbers of livestock. They all make an impact.
The United Nations says greenhouse gases were higher in 2006 than ever before in the history of people on earth. And of the handful of culprits, carbon dioxide is quickly becoming the major offender.
The concentrations of carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere all over the world are higher than ever, along with higher concentrations of nitrous oxide, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
There are three main greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide and a third, methane which thank God is not showing much of an increased level in the atmosphere.
The WMO says that carbon dioxide previously contributed to 87 percent of the warming the earth has recently experienced. But in the last 5 years its contribution jumped to 91 percent, making it the single-handed villain of global warming.
The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere rose a half-percent in 2006. That is quite a big jump for just one year. Nitrous oxide levels also rose but not as much as the CO2 levels.
Carbon dioxide emissions from people heat warm up the surface of the earth and evaporate more water. That makes the air moister so it sustains a higher temperature. And higher temperatures will certainly change things.
They will interrupt the delicate balance God created on earth. And burning of fossil fuels is one of the biggest causes of these CO2 emissions causing this imbalance. A big cause and one that can be changed.
Scientists may not be right about everything about global warming. But the impact of the activity of people is simply measurable, even though the results of that impact are debatable.
And scientists and inventors will prove to be the heroes when they develop alternative fuels like hydrogen cells for our cars. Driving a hydrogen fuel-cell car is one way you can cut your own emissions of carbon dioxide.
When you are sealed you have a brotherhood with the earth. And you look for Jesus returning within you. That time is now. This is the "summer" season Jesus told you to watch for. It is knocking at your door.
That means Jesus is ready to return. And you need to look for Him to return within you instead of looking for the end of the world to happen. The world does not have to end but it should change. And you can change by receiving the Seal.
About the Author
And now Jason would like to invite you to get your FREE report Are You Making These Mistakes as a Christian? and visit to learn about being sealed here Jason Witt
Your Ad on 100's of Engines
$4 per Month or less
Religion & Spirituality
MAGICAL KEYS TO SELF MASTERY & FORBIDEN SECRETS OF MIND POWER - CLICK HERE
Aarons World Wide Products
A variety of products.Also how to and were to find products
The World Peace Religion
Makes peace among every religion.
Dove's Lair
Catholic Blog discussing faith and God issues in a positive Christian mindset
Bookmark this article:
Delicious del.icio.us | Furl Furl | Technorati Technorati | Blinklist Blinklist | Reddit Reddit | Spurl Spurl | Socializer Everywhere Else
AdvertisingAboutFAQContact UsAdvanced SearchPrivacy StatementDisclaimer
ExactSeekSiteProNewsBlog-SearchUmbrellaNewsDropJackSEO-NewsMetaWebSearchFreeWebSubmission
Jayde Online, Inc. © 2007, All Rights Reserved.
You may not agree with everything about the consensus on global warning. After all, it is a consensus and not proven. But sadly once climate change is "proven" it is too late. The changes have hurt you and everyone else.
Some climate change is already proven to have happened. Regardless of what is causing it global warming is happening. And if you think humans are not contributing to it, think again.
When was the last time you took a serious look at your community? Think about all those automobiles and factories. And in rural areas all the fertilizing of fields and even great numbers of livestock. They all make an impact.
The United Nations says greenhouse gases were higher in 2006 than ever before in the history of people on earth. And of the handful of culprits, carbon dioxide is quickly becoming the major offender.
The concentrations of carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere all over the world are higher than ever, along with higher concentrations of nitrous oxide, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
There are three main greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide and a third, methane which thank God is not showing much of an increased level in the atmosphere.
The WMO says that carbon dioxide previously contributed to 87 percent of the warming the earth has recently experienced. But in the last 5 years its contribution jumped to 91 percent, making it the single-handed villain of global warming.
The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere rose a half-percent in 2006. That is quite a big jump for just one year. Nitrous oxide levels also rose but not as much as the CO2 levels.
Carbon dioxide emissions from people heat warm up the surface of the earth and evaporate more water. That makes the air moister so it sustains a higher temperature. And higher temperatures will certainly change things.
They will interrupt the delicate balance God created on earth. And burning of fossil fuels is one of the biggest causes of these CO2 emissions causing this imbalance. A big cause and one that can be changed.
Scientists may not be right about everything about global warming. But the impact of the activity of people is simply measurable, even though the results of that impact are debatable.
And scientists and inventors will prove to be the heroes when they develop alternative fuels like hydrogen cells for our cars. Driving a hydrogen fuel-cell car is one way you can cut your own emissions of carbon dioxide.
When you are sealed you have a brotherhood with the earth. And you look for Jesus returning within you. That time is now. This is the "summer" season Jesus told you to watch for. It is knocking at your door.
That means Jesus is ready to return. And you need to look for Him to return within you instead of looking for the end of the world to happen. The world does not have to end but it should change. And you can change by receiving the Seal.
About the Author
And now Jason would like to invite you to get your FREE report Are You Making These Mistakes as a Christian? and visit to learn about being sealed here Jason Witt
Your Ad on 100's of Engines
$4 per Month or less
Religion & Spirituality
MAGICAL KEYS TO SELF MASTERY & FORBIDEN SECRETS OF MIND POWER - CLICK HERE
Aarons World Wide Products
A variety of products.Also how to and were to find products
The World Peace Religion
Makes peace among every religion.
Dove's Lair
Catholic Blog discussing faith and God issues in a positive Christian mindset
Bookmark this article:
Delicious del.icio.us | Furl Furl | Technorati Technorati | Blinklist Blinklist | Reddit Reddit | Spurl Spurl | Socializer Everywhere Else
AdvertisingAboutFAQContact UsAdvanced SearchPrivacy StatementDisclaimer
ExactSeekSiteProNewsBlog-SearchUmbrellaNewsDropJackSEO-NewsMetaWebSearchFreeWebSubmission
Jayde Online, Inc. © 2007, All Rights Reserved.
Chevy seeks to be Earth-Friendly by Evander Klum
General Motor Corp., an American automaker, plans to have an ambitious campaign to give its Chevrolet brand an environmental image. The company seeks to hold this plan to compete with the hybrid-master Toyota.
According to leading environmental activists at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the competition will be a tough sell. The idea has made Dan Becker, environmental consultant and longtime director of the Sierra Club’s global warming project, laugh. He said, “GM’s an environmental pariah… They have zero credibility as an environmental leader.â€
Mark LaNeve, GM vice president for sales, service and marketing, is well-versed that the company possesses a bad reputation on the environment. Thus, the new marketing campaign shall be the first step in a long-term attempt to alter the image.
LaNeve mentioned that GM will be focusing on fuel efficiency, alternative fuels, hybrids on vehicles sold now as well as the Volt extended-range electric vehicle expected to go on sale in 2010. The company will also have a fleet of 100 zero-emission hydrogen fuel-cell Chevrolet Equinox SUVs tested by consumers in 2008.
Acknowledging the fact that the attempt will take a breakthrough vehicle like the Volt to change Chevrolet’s image, LaNeve said, “We are going to offer solutions for our company, the consumer, America and the environment.â€
Considering that the world’s largest automaker Toyota is the one that dominates the hybrid market with its popular Prius, GM realizes that they are in long-term project. But, they know the challenge can be even tougher.
Becker said, “Most of the campaign’s claims are bunk†knowing that the E85 ethanol-gasoline blend key to GM’s claims is unavailable in California, he said, “They don’t have any credibility on these issues.â€
In the campaign, Chevrolet will be touted with “Gas-friendly to gas-free†slogan. Chevrolet general manager Ed Peper said, “It’s critical to our brand that providing fuel solutions be part of our image… This is certainly not business as usual. Chevrolet really is changing at its foundation of how we power America.â€
Jim Kliesch, senior engineer in the Union of Concerned Scientists’ clean vehicles program, said that GM needs more than a nifty slogan to change its image with environmental groups. He said, “Evaluating an automaker’s environmental performance based on an ad campaign is like judging how well somebody sings based on what kind of shoes they wear.â€
Kliesch has given credit to GM as the American automaker began selling hybrid full-size trucks, including a Chevrolet Silverado pickup, and its development efforts on the Volt and fuel cells. But, he said, the automaker is lacking efforts against high fuel-economy standards.
Kliesch said, “It’s important to support policies to reduce carbon dioxide and raise fuel efficiency… GM and other automakers are lobbying against these standards. That does not jibe with the message they’re trying to send.â€
Despite the criticism, GM is eager to pursue the campaign. LaNeve said that Chevrolet will be a leading environmental brand and “We want to be seen as the solution, not part of the problem.â€
So from now on, Chevrolet vehicles are expected to be sustained with not just quality Chevy floor mats, but features that will provide benefits for the environment.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
According to leading environmental activists at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the competition will be a tough sell. The idea has made Dan Becker, environmental consultant and longtime director of the Sierra Club’s global warming project, laugh. He said, “GM’s an environmental pariah… They have zero credibility as an environmental leader.â€
Mark LaNeve, GM vice president for sales, service and marketing, is well-versed that the company possesses a bad reputation on the environment. Thus, the new marketing campaign shall be the first step in a long-term attempt to alter the image.
LaNeve mentioned that GM will be focusing on fuel efficiency, alternative fuels, hybrids on vehicles sold now as well as the Volt extended-range electric vehicle expected to go on sale in 2010. The company will also have a fleet of 100 zero-emission hydrogen fuel-cell Chevrolet Equinox SUVs tested by consumers in 2008.
Acknowledging the fact that the attempt will take a breakthrough vehicle like the Volt to change Chevrolet’s image, LaNeve said, “We are going to offer solutions for our company, the consumer, America and the environment.â€
Considering that the world’s largest automaker Toyota is the one that dominates the hybrid market with its popular Prius, GM realizes that they are in long-term project. But, they know the challenge can be even tougher.
Becker said, “Most of the campaign’s claims are bunk†knowing that the E85 ethanol-gasoline blend key to GM’s claims is unavailable in California, he said, “They don’t have any credibility on these issues.â€
In the campaign, Chevrolet will be touted with “Gas-friendly to gas-free†slogan. Chevrolet general manager Ed Peper said, “It’s critical to our brand that providing fuel solutions be part of our image… This is certainly not business as usual. Chevrolet really is changing at its foundation of how we power America.â€
Jim Kliesch, senior engineer in the Union of Concerned Scientists’ clean vehicles program, said that GM needs more than a nifty slogan to change its image with environmental groups. He said, “Evaluating an automaker’s environmental performance based on an ad campaign is like judging how well somebody sings based on what kind of shoes they wear.â€
Kliesch has given credit to GM as the American automaker began selling hybrid full-size trucks, including a Chevrolet Silverado pickup, and its development efforts on the Volt and fuel cells. But, he said, the automaker is lacking efforts against high fuel-economy standards.
Kliesch said, “It’s important to support policies to reduce carbon dioxide and raise fuel efficiency… GM and other automakers are lobbying against these standards. That does not jibe with the message they’re trying to send.â€
Despite the criticism, GM is eager to pursue the campaign. LaNeve said that Chevrolet will be a leading environmental brand and “We want to be seen as the solution, not part of the problem.â€
So from now on, Chevrolet vehicles are expected to be sustained with not just quality Chevy floor mats, but features that will provide benefits for the environment.
About the Author
Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Hydrogen Hybrids Delivered to Norway by Anthony Fontanelle
The threat of global warming has captured the attention of the global community. Different countries have already taken steps to reduce that risk. In the United States, President George W. Bush calls for the reduction of gasoline consumption by as much as twenty percent in ten years time. In Brazil, huge steps are taken to produce alternative fuel like bio-ethanol.
Recently, Norway joined the ranks of countries working for the development of alternative fuels by initiating the Norwegian Hydrogen Highway or which is more commonly referred to as HyNor. The initiative is focused on the promotion of the use of hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle in the country.
The Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. is one of the vehicle suppliers of the project. On March 29, the company reported that they have delivered eleven hydrogen hybrid Toyota Prius vehicles to Miljobil Grenland AS which is a professional operator of an electric car fleet through a leasing concept. These vehicles will be the art of the country's dedication to encourage the use of alternative fuel vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emission which is the culprit behind global warming.
HyNor is a partnership between the Norwegian administration, different industries and the private sector. It is focused on the creation of the "Hydrogen Highway" that will connect the country's capital, Oslo, with Stavanger, a port on Western Norway. The project's short-term goal is the construction of hydrogen refueling facilities between the two cities.
Five hydrogen refueling stations are planned to be put up between the capital and the country's main source of petroleum products. It is interesting to know that Norway, being the third largest oil exporter in the world, trailing only Saudi Arabia and Russia, will invest in a technology that eliminates the use of petroleum products.
By 2009, the partnership aims to create more hydrogen refueling stations to enable hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles to regularly traverse the national highway from Oslo to Stavanger. The project will in the course of time will be extended to the whole Scandinavian region. In fact, the Scandinavian Hydrogen Highway Partnership is already formed as a joint project between Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
The eleven Toyota Prius hydrogen hybrid vehicles developed by Quantum are designed to store more hydrogen fuel which allows them to travel extended mileage before needing to refuel. The vehicles are equipped with an electronic multi-point hydrogen injection system developed by Quantum. The vehicles are also turbocharged and intercooled.
Aside from these features that increase the performance capacity of the vehicles, they are also loaded with safety features that will protect their occupants. Aside from efficient brake component, as efficient as those from Active Brakes Direct, the vehicles are designed to protect occupants in cases of crashes. To ensure safety of the occupants, the vehicle underwent and passed crash tests according to European standards.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Recently, Norway joined the ranks of countries working for the development of alternative fuels by initiating the Norwegian Hydrogen Highway or which is more commonly referred to as HyNor. The initiative is focused on the promotion of the use of hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle in the country.
The Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. is one of the vehicle suppliers of the project. On March 29, the company reported that they have delivered eleven hydrogen hybrid Toyota Prius vehicles to Miljobil Grenland AS which is a professional operator of an electric car fleet through a leasing concept. These vehicles will be the art of the country's dedication to encourage the use of alternative fuel vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emission which is the culprit behind global warming.
HyNor is a partnership between the Norwegian administration, different industries and the private sector. It is focused on the creation of the "Hydrogen Highway" that will connect the country's capital, Oslo, with Stavanger, a port on Western Norway. The project's short-term goal is the construction of hydrogen refueling facilities between the two cities.
Five hydrogen refueling stations are planned to be put up between the capital and the country's main source of petroleum products. It is interesting to know that Norway, being the third largest oil exporter in the world, trailing only Saudi Arabia and Russia, will invest in a technology that eliminates the use of petroleum products.
By 2009, the partnership aims to create more hydrogen refueling stations to enable hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles to regularly traverse the national highway from Oslo to Stavanger. The project will in the course of time will be extended to the whole Scandinavian region. In fact, the Scandinavian Hydrogen Highway Partnership is already formed as a joint project between Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
The eleven Toyota Prius hydrogen hybrid vehicles developed by Quantum are designed to store more hydrogen fuel which allows them to travel extended mileage before needing to refuel. The vehicles are equipped with an electronic multi-point hydrogen injection system developed by Quantum. The vehicles are also turbocharged and intercooled.
Aside from these features that increase the performance capacity of the vehicles, they are also loaded with safety features that will protect their occupants. Aside from efficient brake component, as efficient as those from Active Brakes Direct, the vehicles are designed to protect occupants in cases of crashes. To ensure safety of the occupants, the vehicle underwent and passed crash tests according to European standards.
About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
Hydrogen Fuel Gains Momentum by Lauren Woods
The auto industry has been forced to take drastic steps to combat the recent spikes in the price of petroleum products. Different frontiers in the alternative fuel field have been put under scrutiny hoping that these fuels will one day eliminate the world's dependence on petroleum products. Biodiesel and electricity are some of the ways viewed as clean substitutes for gasoline and diesel as fuel and power sources.
Another alternative fuel under development is hydrogen. The use of hydrogen is seen as the future of zero emission vehicles since this element when used as fuel produces only water instead of the harmful gas that are emitted by burned petroleum products.
Recently, the use of hydrogen as fuel gained momentum as Linde Gas announced that they will be the sole provider of hydrogen fuel for the National Hydrogen Association's (NHA) conference being held in San Antonio, Texas. The company is part of the Linde Group and is the only company with the technology to provide hydrogen fuel to any hydrogen fueled vehicle.
The company has the technology to produce and provide hydrogen in liquid or gaseous form for fuel-cell vehicles. Among the auto makers that Linde Gas will be supplying include BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Honda, General Motors, Toyota, and Volkswagen. These automakers are known for their current research and developmental studies in the use of hydrogen as fuel for their future vehicles.
Joachim Wolf, the Executive Director for Hydrogen Solutions of the Linde Group, has this to say about their technology: "Fueling and driving hydrogen-powered vehicles just got easier and more energy efficient, thanks to technology developed by Linde. As the theme of this year's NHA conference is 'Hydrogen: Here and Now,' it is only appropriate for Linde to demonstrate our unique capability of fuelling all vehicles at this important event."
As of today, the company has already equipped more than sixty hydrogen refueling stations all over the world according to Wolf. He also maintained that the company is expected to meet the future demands for hydrogen as fuel.
The efficiency of hydrogen as fuel has already been tested on the BMW Hydrogen 7 Series. The said concept vehicle have been tested to travel significantly more miles before refueling compared to other prototypes using hydrogen as fuel. At the conference, spokespersons from the Linde Group will talk about the safety of hydrogen when used as fuel which is one of the main concerns of the public given the fact that hydrogen is highly flammable in nature.
Another issue to be addressed at the conference is the material that will be used in storing the fuel. With more and more car makers putting in effort to produce a hydrogen-powered zero emission vehicles like General Motors, it will only be a matter of time before fuel efficient vehicles equipped with Chevy cold air intake to increase fuel efficiency are replaced by zero emission vehicles burning hydrogen as fuel.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Another alternative fuel under development is hydrogen. The use of hydrogen is seen as the future of zero emission vehicles since this element when used as fuel produces only water instead of the harmful gas that are emitted by burned petroleum products.
Recently, the use of hydrogen as fuel gained momentum as Linde Gas announced that they will be the sole provider of hydrogen fuel for the National Hydrogen Association's (NHA) conference being held in San Antonio, Texas. The company is part of the Linde Group and is the only company with the technology to provide hydrogen fuel to any hydrogen fueled vehicle.
The company has the technology to produce and provide hydrogen in liquid or gaseous form for fuel-cell vehicles. Among the auto makers that Linde Gas will be supplying include BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Honda, General Motors, Toyota, and Volkswagen. These automakers are known for their current research and developmental studies in the use of hydrogen as fuel for their future vehicles.
Joachim Wolf, the Executive Director for Hydrogen Solutions of the Linde Group, has this to say about their technology: "Fueling and driving hydrogen-powered vehicles just got easier and more energy efficient, thanks to technology developed by Linde. As the theme of this year's NHA conference is 'Hydrogen: Here and Now,' it is only appropriate for Linde to demonstrate our unique capability of fuelling all vehicles at this important event."
As of today, the company has already equipped more than sixty hydrogen refueling stations all over the world according to Wolf. He also maintained that the company is expected to meet the future demands for hydrogen as fuel.
The efficiency of hydrogen as fuel has already been tested on the BMW Hydrogen 7 Series. The said concept vehicle have been tested to travel significantly more miles before refueling compared to other prototypes using hydrogen as fuel. At the conference, spokespersons from the Linde Group will talk about the safety of hydrogen when used as fuel which is one of the main concerns of the public given the fact that hydrogen is highly flammable in nature.
Another issue to be addressed at the conference is the material that will be used in storing the fuel. With more and more car makers putting in effort to produce a hydrogen-powered zero emission vehicles like General Motors, it will only be a matter of time before fuel efficient vehicles equipped with Chevy cold air intake to increase fuel efficiency are replaced by zero emission vehicles burning hydrogen as fuel.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Hydro Cars by Stevo Lim
It is said that Hydrogen cars are the way of the future. Today, the world is crippled by its need for oil, and its dependency on the Middle East for those fuels.
Cars that use Hydrogen for fuel use either a fuel cell based technology or an internal combustion engine.
The History of Hydrogen Fuel Celled Cars.
Swiss Christian Friedrich Schönbein developed the principle of the fuel cell and published it in the January 1839 edition of the "Philosophical Magazine." William Grove is credited with having invented a method, using the information from Schönbein's article, to mix hydrogen and oxygen through the use of an electrolyte in 1839. However, while this did produce some energy, it did not produce enough to be seen as useful.
Fuel cell research by the Germans in the 1920s made the concept of a carbonate cycle and oxide fuel cells to be thought of as being an alternative source of energy.
There is a debate as to where the term "fuel cell" originated. It is said to have come from either Ludwig Mond and Charles Langer, or William Jaques. Mond and Langer attempted to combine the gas from industrial coal with air in 1889. William Jaques who is noted to have been the first to use phosphoric acid in an electrolyte bath as part of the "fuel cell" process.
In 1932, Francis Bacon started to research fuel cells and discovered a less expensive catalyst than the previously used platinum. Bacon discovered that using a corrosive alkaline and nickel electrodes were effective enough to move research forward as it become more economically feasible. Bacon demonstrated the success of his fuel cell research in 1959 with his "Bacon Cell."
Since Bacon's work in the 1960s, Fuel cell technology has grown exponentially, as it is seen more and more as the fuel of the future.
For example, men like Stan Meyer, an American inventor, became concerned about the ability of a little country in the Middle East to control the United States and Western economies, and he began to experiment with what he saw to be the world's most available resource: water (hydrogen). Stan's water powered engines are noted as revolutionary, and threaten to topple a vast empire of gasoline and oil based companies.
Today, it is both possible to buy a hydrogen powered car, and to convert your car to hydrogen based fuel, which costs on average between $2,500 and $5,000.
How do Fuel Cells Work?
Hydrogen fuel cells are very much like car batteries. They have two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, that are separated by a membrane. Hydrogen from a fuel tank come into the cell and is split by a catalyst on the electrode anode. This action creates a movement of electrons that generate electricity, which is used to power the vehicle. The electrons of the hydrogen ions move through the membrane to the cathode electrodes where they chemically combine with oxygen from a compressor, producing both heat and water.
Fuel cells are said to be more efficient than combustion engines. Fuel cells also are more ecologically sound as they emit only heat and water. Another nice feature of the fuel cell is that it never needs to be changed for the life of the car.
The Future of Hydrogen Cars
Hydrogen is seen as the number one source of fuel in the future. Despite all that has been said for solar and wind power, hydrogen appears to be the answer. Government grants exist in many countries to improve the hydrogen based fuel, and push the auto industry into Hydro car manufacturing mode, and away from fossil fuels. This is pleasing those pushing for cleaner air, as the only known emissions from the car are water and heat.
Unfortunately, there is a large lobbying factor against this concept. Major oil companies and automobile companies are not happy with the concept of moving away from the standard gasoline fuels. It is expected that should there be such a move to hydrogen based fuels, oil companies may go bankrupt and there may be less of a need for cars as the fuel cells are expected to last the life of the car.
The future most likely will go the way of hydrogen based fuel. Watch for it to be the focus of energy within the next 20 years.
About the Author
Vehicleride.com is the place to find all your informations about cars, car reviews, car loans, car safety, future cars, hybrid cars, hydrogen cars, solar cars, sports cars, concept cars and many informations about cars.
Cars that use Hydrogen for fuel use either a fuel cell based technology or an internal combustion engine.
The History of Hydrogen Fuel Celled Cars.
Swiss Christian Friedrich Schönbein developed the principle of the fuel cell and published it in the January 1839 edition of the "Philosophical Magazine." William Grove is credited with having invented a method, using the information from Schönbein's article, to mix hydrogen and oxygen through the use of an electrolyte in 1839. However, while this did produce some energy, it did not produce enough to be seen as useful.
Fuel cell research by the Germans in the 1920s made the concept of a carbonate cycle and oxide fuel cells to be thought of as being an alternative source of energy.
There is a debate as to where the term "fuel cell" originated. It is said to have come from either Ludwig Mond and Charles Langer, or William Jaques. Mond and Langer attempted to combine the gas from industrial coal with air in 1889. William Jaques who is noted to have been the first to use phosphoric acid in an electrolyte bath as part of the "fuel cell" process.
In 1932, Francis Bacon started to research fuel cells and discovered a less expensive catalyst than the previously used platinum. Bacon discovered that using a corrosive alkaline and nickel electrodes were effective enough to move research forward as it become more economically feasible. Bacon demonstrated the success of his fuel cell research in 1959 with his "Bacon Cell."
Since Bacon's work in the 1960s, Fuel cell technology has grown exponentially, as it is seen more and more as the fuel of the future.
For example, men like Stan Meyer, an American inventor, became concerned about the ability of a little country in the Middle East to control the United States and Western economies, and he began to experiment with what he saw to be the world's most available resource: water (hydrogen). Stan's water powered engines are noted as revolutionary, and threaten to topple a vast empire of gasoline and oil based companies.
Today, it is both possible to buy a hydrogen powered car, and to convert your car to hydrogen based fuel, which costs on average between $2,500 and $5,000.
How do Fuel Cells Work?
Hydrogen fuel cells are very much like car batteries. They have two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, that are separated by a membrane. Hydrogen from a fuel tank come into the cell and is split by a catalyst on the electrode anode. This action creates a movement of electrons that generate electricity, which is used to power the vehicle. The electrons of the hydrogen ions move through the membrane to the cathode electrodes where they chemically combine with oxygen from a compressor, producing both heat and water.
Fuel cells are said to be more efficient than combustion engines. Fuel cells also are more ecologically sound as they emit only heat and water. Another nice feature of the fuel cell is that it never needs to be changed for the life of the car.
The Future of Hydrogen Cars
Hydrogen is seen as the number one source of fuel in the future. Despite all that has been said for solar and wind power, hydrogen appears to be the answer. Government grants exist in many countries to improve the hydrogen based fuel, and push the auto industry into Hydro car manufacturing mode, and away from fossil fuels. This is pleasing those pushing for cleaner air, as the only known emissions from the car are water and heat.
Unfortunately, there is a large lobbying factor against this concept. Major oil companies and automobile companies are not happy with the concept of moving away from the standard gasoline fuels. It is expected that should there be such a move to hydrogen based fuels, oil companies may go bankrupt and there may be less of a need for cars as the fuel cells are expected to last the life of the car.
The future most likely will go the way of hydrogen based fuel. Watch for it to be the focus of energy within the next 20 years.
About the Author
Vehicleride.com is the place to find all your informations about cars, car reviews, car loans, car safety, future cars, hybrid cars, hydrogen cars, solar cars, sports cars, concept cars and many informations about cars.
BMW Hydrogen 7: Bliss Or Anathema? by Correy Putton
The German automaker BMW earlier announced its upcoming vehicle known as the BMW Hydrogen 7. The vehicle serves as the world's first hydrogen-powered luxury performance car. It will be manufactured in a limited edition in Europe and will be later on sold to the American market.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 is a hydrogen vehicle that is equipped with cutting-edge BMW body parts to complement its powerful yet environment-friendly nature. It is based on the chassis of the standard 7-series. Its internal combustion engine is capable of running on either hydrogen or gasoline. The engine of the vehicle is powered by a 260kW, 12-cylinder engine and accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds. The top speed is limited electronically to 229km/h. The hydrogen technology imbibed in the vehicle trims down emissions of carbon dioxide. When the vehicle is running in the hydrogen mode, it emits nothing but vapor.
The coming of BMW's green car is given enough publicity and aspirations. "Leave it to BMW to come up with a viable alternative to fuel cells, electric propulsion, and storage batteries," Automobile magazine said of the BMW Hydrogen 7. Nevertheless, the introduction of said vehicle leaves so many questions unanswered. Will it be considered as an anathema or would it be the other way around?
"Like money, hydrogen is plentiful but not easily obtained," wrote Don Sherman in one of the issues of Automobile. "The most noticeable difference between the two fuel modes [hydrogen and gasoline] is a sharper, more metallic edge to the engine note during acceleration on hydrogen. Only by listening carefully can you hear the gurgle of the engine coolant circulating to warm the chilly hydrogen for combustion." Sherman concluded, "BMW's Hydrogen 7 is encouraging evidence that pistons and spark plugs could survive to entertain us for decades to come in the era of carbon-free fuel."
One of the first journalists to drive the BMW Hydrogen 7 is BBC News business reporter Jorn Madslien. He assessed whether the vehicle is indeed a green initiative or a cynical market trap. Behind the powerful and efficient car is a set of auto drawbacks. The worst so far is finding refueling stations.
"We don't have a problem about saying it is a marketing exercise," admitted Timm Kehler. Kehler is the person responsible for marketing BMW's early developments and innovation projects. The saving grace lies on the taking of a long-term commercial risk. "It shows the company can respond quickly to increases in the price of fossil fuel," Kehler said, adding that as the world will eventually run out of oil and gas "we'll need to start this now if we want to exist in the future".
BMW has already received plenty of offers from politicians and executives, scientists and athletes, celebrities and other famous personalities, all eager to help "create visibility for hydrogen." Among the long list of popular people are Madonna, Al Gore, David Suzuki and Arnold Schwarzenegger. They are queuing up to endorse the car and perhaps further boost their own green images in the process.
"All innovation invokes expensive solutions that can best be pumped into the market from the top end," explained Kehler. "Here we have customers who are affluent and who are committed to technology. They are in a position to pay for technology that may prove to be the status symbols of the future."
Despite the apparent shortfalls, the project is about much more than merely marketing, Kehler explained. "I think the car itself shows you it is not just a façade." Wolfgang Leder of Total Deutschland's new energy team added, "What we see here is a far reaching, advanced and mature technology. We want people who invest in filling stations to know there are users out there."
"Hydrogen is an energy carrier," Leder pointed out. "There are several ways to produce it. Wind power would be the best, or solar." On a positive note, BMW's marketing and brand manager, Torsten Muller-Otvos, predicted, "One day, even petrol and diesel will have to compete with hydrogen."
About the Author
Correy Putton is a 28-year old bachelor from Pittsburgh, PA who has been around cars for the better part of his life. He now works online and writes all about his passion: cars. He is also a certified mechanic.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 is a hydrogen vehicle that is equipped with cutting-edge BMW body parts to complement its powerful yet environment-friendly nature. It is based on the chassis of the standard 7-series. Its internal combustion engine is capable of running on either hydrogen or gasoline. The engine of the vehicle is powered by a 260kW, 12-cylinder engine and accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds. The top speed is limited electronically to 229km/h. The hydrogen technology imbibed in the vehicle trims down emissions of carbon dioxide. When the vehicle is running in the hydrogen mode, it emits nothing but vapor.
The coming of BMW's green car is given enough publicity and aspirations. "Leave it to BMW to come up with a viable alternative to fuel cells, electric propulsion, and storage batteries," Automobile magazine said of the BMW Hydrogen 7. Nevertheless, the introduction of said vehicle leaves so many questions unanswered. Will it be considered as an anathema or would it be the other way around?
"Like money, hydrogen is plentiful but not easily obtained," wrote Don Sherman in one of the issues of Automobile. "The most noticeable difference between the two fuel modes [hydrogen and gasoline] is a sharper, more metallic edge to the engine note during acceleration on hydrogen. Only by listening carefully can you hear the gurgle of the engine coolant circulating to warm the chilly hydrogen for combustion." Sherman concluded, "BMW's Hydrogen 7 is encouraging evidence that pistons and spark plugs could survive to entertain us for decades to come in the era of carbon-free fuel."
One of the first journalists to drive the BMW Hydrogen 7 is BBC News business reporter Jorn Madslien. He assessed whether the vehicle is indeed a green initiative or a cynical market trap. Behind the powerful and efficient car is a set of auto drawbacks. The worst so far is finding refueling stations.
"We don't have a problem about saying it is a marketing exercise," admitted Timm Kehler. Kehler is the person responsible for marketing BMW's early developments and innovation projects. The saving grace lies on the taking of a long-term commercial risk. "It shows the company can respond quickly to increases in the price of fossil fuel," Kehler said, adding that as the world will eventually run out of oil and gas "we'll need to start this now if we want to exist in the future".
BMW has already received plenty of offers from politicians and executives, scientists and athletes, celebrities and other famous personalities, all eager to help "create visibility for hydrogen." Among the long list of popular people are Madonna, Al Gore, David Suzuki and Arnold Schwarzenegger. They are queuing up to endorse the car and perhaps further boost their own green images in the process.
"All innovation invokes expensive solutions that can best be pumped into the market from the top end," explained Kehler. "Here we have customers who are affluent and who are committed to technology. They are in a position to pay for technology that may prove to be the status symbols of the future."
Despite the apparent shortfalls, the project is about much more than merely marketing, Kehler explained. "I think the car itself shows you it is not just a façade." Wolfgang Leder of Total Deutschland's new energy team added, "What we see here is a far reaching, advanced and mature technology. We want people who invest in filling stations to know there are users out there."
"Hydrogen is an energy carrier," Leder pointed out. "There are several ways to produce it. Wind power would be the best, or solar." On a positive note, BMW's marketing and brand manager, Torsten Muller-Otvos, predicted, "One day, even petrol and diesel will have to compete with hydrogen."
About the Author
Correy Putton is a 28-year old bachelor from Pittsburgh, PA who has been around cars for the better part of his life. He now works online and writes all about his passion: cars. He is also a certified mechanic.
FoMoCo of Australia Extends Support to Hydrogen Research by Lauren Woods
The auto industry has seen the increase in the demand for eco-friendly vehicles as the global community becomes more aware of the threats of global warming. To address the demand, car manufacturers have been investing in the development of eco-friendly vehicles.
One of the more promising technologies is the use of hydrogen as fuel. Hydrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere and when burned, this alternative fuel produces no greenhouse gases. That is why car manufacturers like the Ford Motor Company have been making partnerships to do research on the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Recently, FoMoCo of Australia partnered with the University of Melbourne to delve in further into the hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The university also recently received a $1.2 million grant form the Victorian State Government. With that grant and with Ford supplying engines to the university, the practical use of hydrogen as vehicle fuel will be studied even better. Ford Australia President Tom Gorman said that "Ford Australia is proud to extend our relationship with the University of Melbourne through this important project." The study will not only focus on the practical use of hydrogen as fuel for vehicles but also on the production of hydrogen.
While hydrogen is abundant, it combines with other elements. So, therefore, for it to be used as fuel, it has to be extracted first. Another problem in the use of hydrogen as fuel is the construction of fuel cells. As of today, fuel cells are fragile and can only withstand low vibrations which means that the current technology is impractical for off-road vehicles since the bumps encountered during off-road driving can severely damage the whole fuel cell assembly.
The participation of Ford on the hydrogen research is not surprising since the company is one of the leading car manufacturers which have already been investing on alternative fuel development. Gorman has this to say about Ford's dedication to the development of alternative fuel vehicles: "Globally, Ford Motor Company is a leader in the development of alternative fuel vehicles and technologies. The Escape Hybrid, our range of E85-capable flexi-fuel vehicles, and the recent showcasing of the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability are all examples of our broader global efforts."
Gorman added that: "The University of Melbourne project is the first to research hydrogen engine alternatives using an Australian sourced engine, and will be an important complement to these initiatives." The University of Melbourne will be aiming to produce a hydrogen fueled six-cylinder engine from Ford. The technology being developed at the university is called the Hydrogen Assisted Jet Ignition or HAJI for short. This technology when used in a car can provide a performance similar to that of a car equipped with a Neuspeed cold air intake system.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Salvage Repairable Autos & SUV
Elite's speciality is damaged,salvage, rebuildable & flood cars.all late model inventory.
Rebuildable Export Cars 4sale
We resale repairable insurance autos.recovered thefts,collision cars,floods all late model
One of the more promising technologies is the use of hydrogen as fuel. Hydrogen is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere and when burned, this alternative fuel produces no greenhouse gases. That is why car manufacturers like the Ford Motor Company have been making partnerships to do research on the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Recently, FoMoCo of Australia partnered with the University of Melbourne to delve in further into the hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The university also recently received a $1.2 million grant form the Victorian State Government. With that grant and with Ford supplying engines to the university, the practical use of hydrogen as vehicle fuel will be studied even better. Ford Australia President Tom Gorman said that "Ford Australia is proud to extend our relationship with the University of Melbourne through this important project." The study will not only focus on the practical use of hydrogen as fuel for vehicles but also on the production of hydrogen.
While hydrogen is abundant, it combines with other elements. So, therefore, for it to be used as fuel, it has to be extracted first. Another problem in the use of hydrogen as fuel is the construction of fuel cells. As of today, fuel cells are fragile and can only withstand low vibrations which means that the current technology is impractical for off-road vehicles since the bumps encountered during off-road driving can severely damage the whole fuel cell assembly.
The participation of Ford on the hydrogen research is not surprising since the company is one of the leading car manufacturers which have already been investing on alternative fuel development. Gorman has this to say about Ford's dedication to the development of alternative fuel vehicles: "Globally, Ford Motor Company is a leader in the development of alternative fuel vehicles and technologies. The Escape Hybrid, our range of E85-capable flexi-fuel vehicles, and the recent showcasing of the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability are all examples of our broader global efforts."
Gorman added that: "The University of Melbourne project is the first to research hydrogen engine alternatives using an Australian sourced engine, and will be an important complement to these initiatives." The University of Melbourne will be aiming to produce a hydrogen fueled six-cylinder engine from Ford. The technology being developed at the university is called the Hydrogen Assisted Jet Ignition or HAJI for short. This technology when used in a car can provide a performance similar to that of a car equipped with a Neuspeed cold air intake system.
About the Author
Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.
Salvage Repairable Autos & SUV
Elite's speciality is damaged,salvage, rebuildable & flood cars.all late model inventory.
Rebuildable Export Cars 4sale
We resale repairable insurance autos.recovered thefts,collision cars,floods all late model
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